Mei Help Needed - Please

[sabertasche]

Hi All,

I've been on a buying frenzy lately (commision cheque came in :) ) and picked up this wonderful O-Tanto. I've always wanted a nice Katana, Wak and Tanto and this is my 1st purchase towards my Japanese triad.

I'll post scans of the entire sword shortly but at the moment I'd would like to know who made it and the approximate age.

Any info would be most appreciated

Thanks,

Greg

[Rich]

I think the smith is Masakage (although 100% not sure of the second Kanji)
Date is Ka-Ei 6 (1853). "IF" I'm correct on the smith, he worked in Echigo
Province. Hawley Ref # MAS 281

Rich S

------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Stein, PhD
alchemyst@yahoo.com

The Japanese Sword Index
http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/nihonto.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

[Andrew]

Rich, you rock! :cool:

[sabertasche]

Thanks Rich, you are such an asset to the forum. Is this smith well known? Did make primarily tantos or all forms of Japanese edged weapons? I understand there is a rating for smiths, how does my smith rate?

The condidtion of my tanto is outstanding (makes no sense to buy stuff in poor condition - right?) I think this will be a keeper for me for the next 20 years or so. I now have to pick up a sword care kit :( .

If anyone would specific scans of my tanto, just let me know and I'll post them.

Greg

[Rich]

He made all types of Nihonto. Both Hawley and Fujishiro rate him
as an average smith. (Fujishiro calls is chusaku). What type of
mountings (koshirae) is it in?

Rich

------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Stein, PhD
alchemyst@yahoo.com

The Japanese Sword Index
http://www.geocities.com/alchemyst/nihonto.htm
------------------------------------------------------------

[sabertasche]

Hi Rick, the mounts seem to match - fushi, kashira and tsuba but are unsigned. There is a nice ear probe/blade (the name escapes me at the time as well) but is also unsigned. As to the overall mounts they are a dark brown lacquer.

Greg

[Rich]

Nice set of koshirae. The ear thing is called a kogai (hair arranger and
ear cleaner). This would definitely be a keeper piece if it were mine.

Rich

[sabertasche]

Thanks Rich, the hair thing didn't work as I have short hair, the ear thing works great! - much to the amusement of my kids and the dirty looks of my wife :o

A keeper it is!

Greg