signed katana for id and discussion please

[chiefheadknocker]

I have recently acquired this katana and wondered if anyone could help me with the maker of the blade , the sword is in very good condition and shows a good hamon , any info would be much appreciated
thanks

[mariusgmioc]

Hello,

The photo of the nakago with the signature is quite dark making the signature hardly readable. Also please note the writing is on vertical, with the mekugi-ana (hole for the mekugi) at the top, so the photo of the nakago should be rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

You may want to address this question to the Nihonto community from the Nihonto Message Board forum.

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/index.php

Good luck!

PS: All I can say is that it appears to be a good sword in WWII Japanese army Gunto Koshirae.

[chiefheadknocker]

Originally Posted by mariusgmioc

Hello,

The photo of the nakago with the signature is quite dark making the signature hardly readable. Also please note the writing is on vertical, with the mekugi-ana (hole for the mekugi) at the top, so the photo of the nakago should be rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

You may want to address this question to the Nihonto community from the Nihonto Message Board forum.

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/index.php

Good luck!

PS: All I can say is that it appears to be a good sword in WWII Japanese army Gunto Koshirae.

hi there , thanks for your help ,I will post a better of the signature the right way up ,
many thanks

[asomotif]

I got this result after turning and using some filter.
To be honest I have no idea if this is the right side up yet.
Using paper and a pencil would probably be helpfull. + posting on the Nihonto forum
Love the sword. is the tassel Original ?

Best regards,
Willem

[mariusgmioc]

Originally Posted by asomotif

I got this result after turning and using some filter.
To be honest I have no idea if this is the right side up yet.
Using paper and a pencil would probably be helpfull. + posting on the Nihonto forum
Love the sword. is the tassel Original ?

Best regards,
Willem

Hello Willem,

It is better, but is upside down. Unfortunately, my knowledge ends here as I cannot read Japanese.

Your idea about using pencil and paper is very good as it is used by the Japanese themselves to make the oshigata of the blade. It may give a much clearer view of the signature.

Chief, make sure you do NOT clean the nakago as cleaning may dramatically reduce the value of the sword (since the aspect of the rust is very important for experts to establish the age of the sword and whether the signature is genuine or not).

[asomotif]

Sorry,
Now I understand that Vhiefheadknocker already edited his post and added a picture in the correct rotation....