SIGNED: SOSHU HIROMITSU

Gimei wakizashi signed Soshu Hiromitsu.

*Note: this sword had never been submitted for shinsa. Labeling it gimei is my opinion only. My opinion is based on what is known about the works of the Soshu Hiromitsu smiths compared to what is exhibited in this sword.

The overwhelming majority of all Hiromitu’s works were hira-zukuri with mitsu-mune, slight sori and wide mihaba.  Most show itame hada, choji gunome hamon and the majority contain the hataraki which make up hitatsura such as ashi, tobayaki, yo and muneyaki. Though it is of note that less flamboyant examples are occasionally seen.

This wakizashi is shinogi-zukuri with iori-mune.  The polish is obscure but there are no signs of hitatsura which one would anticipate. The nakago has three nakago ana with two of them overlapping. The yasurime is katte-agari opposed to the textbook kiri.  I will mention that this sword shows more of a midare hamon and itame hada. There are kitte ware or loose grain in the ji (see photos).

Sesko’s lists 4 generations of Hiromitsu.  According to Sesko, only the sandai or third generation signed as this sword is signed, “Soshu Ju Hiromitsu”.

I possess little information written in English or oshigata for generations other than the shodai, nidai.  This lack of information for comparison of the mei, results in the inability to form an opinion as to whether or not it could be a later generation. I feel this is grasping at straws, yet the possibility does exist. 

In conclusion, when all the facts are weighed, I can only offer a probability.  In my opinion, the probability of this sword being gimei I would put at 95%. Allowing 5% for the chance of shoshin is the lack of information on later generations. This is merely my opinion, and you are welcome to do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

If you are on a tight budget, but would like to own a genuine Japanese sword, this may for you. It is a genuine Japanese sword, guaranteed. The mei (signature) may be false which was a common occurrence back in the day. The blade is not in pristine polish but there is still plenty of activity to be seen (see photos). The sword does have a few small areas of ware in the ji. The sword is priced accordingly.

This sword comes in a nice complete koshirae (see photos).  Black lacquer saya, floral/insect F/K, the fuchi is signed Yoshinaga, dragon menuki, tsuba depicts a Ho-bird sitting in the branches of either an ume (plum) or Sakura (cherry) tree.

The Koshirae alone is worth at least half the asking price. 

SOLD

If you are interested in owning this sword, contact me via the website or directly at yakiba.com@gmail.com