Reading the Japanese on a Sword Tang
- Thread starter mnrivrat
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There are a couple of folks so go ahead and post them.
OK - I am going to post 4 pictures of the markings on the tang. There is markings on both sides and I split each side into 2 poto's - one of the upper part of the tang and one of the lower part. I hope they are clear enough for someone to read and give info regarding this sword.
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CK
Member
I am not an expert in history. This is all I know
The katana was made in
The third year of Keiou 慶応、should be 1868, in February.
Made by,
Fujiwara Seiichi. 藤原正一
The katana was made in
The third year of Keiou 慶応、should be 1868, in February.
Made by,
Fujiwara Seiichi. 藤原正一
Sistema1927
Member
Here is what it really says:
Caution, sharp edges. Do not use to trim toenails, clean ear wax, or pick teeth. Keep out of the reach of children. Read all safety instructions before use. A copy of the instruction manual is available from the manufacturer. Failure to follow these instructions can lead to serious injury or death.
Caution, sharp edges. Do not use to trim toenails, clean ear wax, or pick teeth. Keep out of the reach of children. Read all safety instructions before use. A copy of the instruction manual is available from the manufacturer. Failure to follow these instructions can lead to serious injury or death.
Post a picture of the butt of the tang please.
Axman
Member
Too bad somebody shot a hole through the blade, j/k! 
MICHAEL T
Member
Caution, sharp edges. Do not use to trim toenails, clean ear wax, or pick teeth. Keep out of the reach of children. Read all safety instructions before use. A copy of the instruction manual is available from the manufacturer. Failure to follow these instructions can lead to serious injury or death.
I agree and other side say MADE IN JAPAN
Just kidding .
I agree and other side say MADE IN JAPAN
Just kidding
.Tom Bri
Member
My wife is Japanese, I will run them by her tonight. The first two pics are dates, I can tell. The other two look like names.
Thanks !
All information is helpful and appreciated. So far my research seems to indicate this Katana to be an army officers sword . The brown and blue tassle makes it a Colonel or Major's rank ,and an interesting small silver insert would seem to be a family crest ?
All information is helpful and appreciated. So far my research seems to indicate this Katana to be an army officers sword . The brown and blue tassle makes it a Colonel or Major's rank ,and an interesting small silver insert would seem to be a family crest ?
Davo
Member
Wow if that thing could talk...
mwpslp
Member
Actually a brown and blue tassel is a field grade officers sword tassel belonging to a Lieutenant or Captain. Do a google search under Japanese Sword Index or Richard Stein and you will find more pages than you want to know or read. Good info. I have been collecting Japanese swords for many years now. If the insert is silver and on the end of the handle it is a family mon or "crest". These can be researched as well to find out the family name of the owner. The mum was on all the military mounts of WWII. The Chrysanthemum is the imperial symbol or mon "crest" of the emperor. It was on all military mounts to pay homage to the emperor.
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I stand corrected - you are right, I mis-read the info I looked up. The hanger is also blue/brown in color , and indicates Lieutenant or Captain ranking.
Yes , the little round silver insert is at the back and top of the handle. About the size of a pencil erraser.
Thanks for the correction.
mwpslp
Member
No problem. You will have as much fun researching your sword as you do owning it, I am sure.
I'm still researching and thought I would post some new pictures that may be more readable. Tom - I tried sending you an e-mail but your address is outdated ?
Anything that anybody can give me for further info is greatly appreciated.
3 photo's of each side of the tang - 1 to show the whole string and the other two for more close-up detail. Opps - only allowed 5 files
Anything that anybody can give me for further info is greatly appreciated.
3 photo's of each side of the tang - 1 to show the whole string and the other two for more close-up detail. Opps - only allowed 5 files
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Tom Bri
Member
The first one, the bottom 4 characters are third year second month. But of what year I don't know. The others are far beyond my ability to read.
Check you mailbox for my e-mail.
Check you mailbox for my e-mail.
Thanks Tom,
I am pleased to have made contact with a good guy out in CA who translated the tang info for me. I received his information just this morning.
Basically the sword was made in the 2nd month - third year - of the Keio era which he put at 1867 (Feb)
The sword maker was Masakazu of the Fujiwara clan , made in the city of Hirosaki according to this helpful gentalman.
I am still researching the family crest that is on this sword. According to my research this sword may have come from the Oda family. The crest matches the quince flower crest said to have been used by this family. Since the Oda family has some famous anchestor who was Shogun in the warrier period ( Nobunaga Oda ) I believe it is pre-mature of me to call it that, until further research and varification is completed.
I am pleased to have made contact with a good guy out in CA who translated the tang info for me. I received his information just this morning.
Basically the sword was made in the 2nd month - third year - of the Keio era which he put at 1867 (Feb)
The sword maker was Masakazu of the Fujiwara clan , made in the city of Hirosaki according to this helpful gentalman.
I am still researching the family crest that is on this sword. According to my research this sword may have come from the Oda family. The crest matches the quince flower crest said to have been used by this family. Since the Oda family has some famous anchestor who was Shogun in the warrier period ( Nobunaga Oda ) I believe it is pre-mature of me to call it that, until further research and varification is completed.
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