Signature on Japanese Sword

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• #1

This one might be difficult to figure out a the size of the photo I am dealing with is pretty small.

Have asked for a larger one but not sure if I will receive one. Can anyone make out the signature?

As always, my sincere thanks.

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #2

Here is a much larger scan and in the correct position.

 

Last edited: 9 Jan 2018

Majestic

先輩

Ten-year veteran

12 Oct 2013

4,071

5,023

• 9 Jan 2018

• #3

Looks completely fake. You have pics of the blade itself?

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #4

I can post what I was sent and will do so.

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #5

I can ask for better photos but this is what I have to work with so far.

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #6

one more.

 

Majestic

先輩

Ten-year veteran

12 Oct 2013

4,071

5,023

• 9 Jan 2018

• #7

Its purporting to be a WW2 sword, but the name is an unknown (and partially illegible?) name
平岩囗之介 Hiraiwa something-no-suke
As far as I know, there is no known WW2 smith by the name of Hiraiwa. You can see a pretty complete list of WW2 smiths at the site here
JAPANESE RIKUGUN JUMEI TOSHO SWORDSMITHS

But the sword should tell you what it is, not the signature (which are often faked). The pictures of this sword are too far away to get a good look at the hamon, the yokote, the kissaki, and any of the furnishings. There are lot of authentic WW2 blades for sale. No need to gamble on something like this.

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #8

Thank you.

What I have been told is that while the sword is much older than WWII it was refitted to be used during the war.

 

Majestic

先輩

Ten-year veteran

12 Oct 2013

4,071

5,023

• 9 Jan 2018

• #9

No, no, no and no.

Run away.

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #10

I think I'm going to ask for a number of high resolution images of the blade to double check everything. I apologize for the poor quality images. As I was sent better images of the signature I think the owner will oblige with sharper photos.

 

Bunkerhill

Sempai

17 Aug 2016

133

34

• 9 Jan 2018

• Thread starter
• #11

Really? Okay. Won't bother with the additional photos.