Need help with Tang markings, real or fake? Please help

[McCaffrey283]

Hi, bought this sword off craigslist, it is missing some parts (ito, menuki, and two sepa) otherwise good I thought. It's my first sword. I have to post pics one at a time cause the file is too big. Any info on markings would be great. It looks like a showa stamp on the top?? Tsuba and two sepa are numbered same but no number on blade. I don't think the blade has a harmon so it may be machine made. Also input on condition, value, where to find missing parts would be appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[Mark]

I read Seki Fujiwara Yoshinao it looks genuine WWII, it is a Showa stamp. not traditionaly made

[McCaffrey283]

Thank you, Im having trouble with uploading more, saying invalid pics. I'll try a few more min and then more tommorow

[David McDonald]

To add to what Mark has

 

関藤原義尚作

 

I hope this helps

 

later

david

 

I read Seki Fujiwara Yoshinao it looks genuine WWII, it is a Showa stamp. not traditionaly made

 

_________________

Mark Jones

nixe@bright.net

 

Thank you, Im having trouble with uploading more, saying invalid pics. I'll try a few more min and then more tommorow

[McCaffrey283]

Here are the parts...

[McCaffrey283]

Tsuba

[McCaffrey283]

Blade tip

[McCaffrey283]

tsuba and sepa

[McCaffrey283]

Blade

[McCaffrey283]

Handle

[McCaffrey283]

Thank you to David and Mark, could you tell me how the characters are broken down, this 1st character means this which is a place name ect. Also if anyone has thoughts to the condition, value, where to get the missing parts or any other thoughts or info I would love to hear it. I paid $300 for it.

[McCaffrey283]

Hey guys, from looking into "seki fujiwara yoshinao" I found this which looks to be the same characters on my sword. I found it on home.earthlink.net It came up as "Showa Swordsmith Oshigata Database - Earthlink." This translates it as "Seki ju Fujiwara Yoshinao saku kore." Is this the same or does it give any more info? Sorry for the questions, it's just that I would like to find out what I can so I can explain it to my son when he grows up and I pass this on to him. Thanks again for your time and info.

[Geraint]

Hi Brian.

 

You have found your man. The sword will likely have a hamon, though not a good one, but it doesn't show due to the condition of the blade, it may be that someone has polished the surface, a different sort of polishing than the type you will hear about hear and one that masks all detail in the metal. I am guessing that you are in the US. You have found Richard Stein's site, have a look here http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/sites2.htm for relaible restoration services but be aware that to properly restore the sword will cost a lot of money and the sword will not repay that investment. However anyone offering cheap restoration will probably do more harm than good. It might be possible to have the hilt restored and leave the blade alone, in which case simply wipe the blade with a light oil to preserve it.

 

In any event you have not paid too much for the sword and it might be the start of a fascinating hobby if you are interested enough to pursue it. I would reccomend lots of eye candy by looking at the swords for sale on the websites in the link above, you are in for a treat!

 

All the best.

[McCaffrey283]

Thanks Geraint, yes, I am in the us. Looking at the blade very carefully I found a spot where you can see the hamon. Really the most I would do is get the menuki and have the Ito wrap done. I checked out the link you sent and it has lots of info I'll find usefull. Thanks for taking the time to help me out!!

[Bruno]

Hi Brian,

 

You can try David McDonald in Montana. He does excellent work.

 

As for the missing part menuki, seppa, sarute, tassel they are easy to find on Ebay.

[McCaffrey283]

@ Bruno, yeah I've heard good things about his work, I will def keep him in mind. Also I've been watching eBay, got to be carful with some of that stuff though. Thanks for the heads up.

[Grey Doffin]

Brian,

David McDonald might be able to supply the missing parts if you have him wrap the handle. He'll do good work for you.

Grey