Help with a tanto-mei!

[Viper6924]

Hi!

 

I´m helping a friend with a tanto he´s got. I got half way with the mei. The pics ain´t super because he has a really bad camera.

 

I´ve been able to make out the three first kanjis: So shu ju... But the two last ones

 

Anyone out there who can help? Also some additional info would be great.

 

If I would take a stab at it I would put it as a Muromachi-period Soshu-den. But that could change depending on the smith.

 

The tanto is 10,5"

 

Thanks in advance!

 

Jan

[Ted Tenold]

Soshu ju Masahiro

[Viper6924]

Thanks Ted!

 

Then we are talking about the Odawara Soshu, I guess?

 

Thanks again, Ted!

 

Jan

[John A Stuart]

There are quite a few smiths that could have made this sword. Mostly sue-Soshu. You need to research the characteristics and mei to narrow it down. John

[Viper6924]

You are right John. There are a few Masahira working in the Muromachi-period.

 

If I just look at the saki-zori and the o-midare hamon I would probably guess early to mid Muromachi

 

But I´ve been wrong before :D

 

I wish I had this blade in my hand for a closer look, but I only have picture to go by. Here´s a picture with a closer look the hamon.

 

Any extra help would be very appreciated.

 

Jan

[Jacques]

Hi,

 

In KotoHen Fujishiro sensei says that genuine swords by Soshu Masahiro are rare and most of existent items are forgeries. I'm afraid it can be the case with your sword.

[Viper6924]

I will ask my friend to take this sword to someone who can look more closely at it, sword in hand, so to say. He lives in New York

 

so it should be easy to find someone with the knowledge.

 

After looking at some more of the pictures I guess the blade def can be early to mid Muromachi. But it´s impossible to

 

judge it from only the pictures.

 

 

Jan