Help with Mei on tanto

[PatrikD]

Hello

 

im in progress of buying this tanto (its in big need of polish), and im really bad about reading a mei, can any of you help me with the reading?

 

Best Regards

 

Patrik

[Maurice_lmb]

Patrick

 

It looks like HIROTSUGU.

 

Maurice

[PatrikD]

Thanks alot, i never could have guest that..:-). Here is a picture of the blade, its look kind of scary.....gonna look at it live at Thursday.Anyone have a guess about year on the blade?

 

Best Regards

 

Patrik

[Mark]

maybe 1450-1500

[Ted Tenold]

Patrick,

 

This board is often too quick to just toss the answers and opinions, myself included.

 

You say you are "in the process of buying it". So you should ask yourself what abilities you have to recognize a piece that is worth acquiring based on what you like and collect. If it's just a Japanese sword....*any* Japanese sword.... then perhaps this one will do. But if you intend to actually study your acquisitions and learn from them, and still get some kind of value for your money, you'll need more than just liquid funds.

 

I'll give you my concern first; from the image you provided, someone started the polish on this piece and left the hi (groove) untouched as there is still corrosion in it. That's the reverse of the process. The grooves (or other horimono) are approached first in polishing. Still yet, the blade is in a course finish that leaves condition and integrity impossible to see in the image.

 

So here's two questions for you;

 

What period do you think it is from based on shape? This is the most important fundamental skill you must develop in appreciation. Without it, you will be lost in time.

 

Second; Given the state it's in, how can you determine it's condition? In other words, that it is free of significant detrimental defects that affect it's collectable merits?

 

Forget the mei. Look at the sword first.

[PatrikD]

Thanks for the answer from all of you.

I gonna look at it on Thursday, from the photos i think it looking like someone have been hurted the blade with a sandpapper, but i hope thats not the case.

Ted i cant say anything about this Tanto before i have it in my hands, then maybe i like it or let it pass, im just a newbie, But the feelings and from the books i have i think 1500, but i can be really wrong. .

 

 

 

Best Regards

 

Patrik