Kanemitsu

Hello,

(I just sent a message on the contact form but thought I would post my question here in the forum along with an image of the characters)

I was told the characters translate (see attachment) to Bishu Osafune Kanemitsu - are there any other distinguishing features I could look for?

many thanks


Kanemitsu

Hi,

The reading is correct. It's 備州長船住兼光 (Bishū Osafune ju Kanemitsu) - Kanemitsu from Osafune of Bizen province. There was a number of smiths in Bizen between 1328 and 1492 who signed Kanemitsu 兼光. You would need to look at the overall shape and style of the blade to identify the period when it was produced, as well as authenticity of the signature.

Regards,
Stan