Nihonto Club

Hi olg2209,

The signature reads:

(proudly made takayama-tō, smith: Ishihara Masanao)

(polisher: =polisher's name=)

I'm not sure how to read the polisher's name.

You may find swords with similar signatures here:

http://www.samuraishokai.jp/sword/09127.html
http://japansword.art.coocan.jp/Auctions/Takayama/Auction.htm
http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=55986

And here is more information about Ishihara Masanao:

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=4523&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&...
http://www.nihontomessageboard.com/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9261&view=next

Regards,
Stan

thanks , that helps alot !!!

is there a date anywere ? on the other side of the tang there is more symbols it looks like

Hi,

If you upload the photo of the other side, we'll have a look. There is no date on the photo you posted.

Regards,
Stan

thanks , hope thats it there in the second pic i added

?? date on that second pic??

Hi,

I don't see any date on the second photo.

Regards,
Stan

what do those markings mean then ? i thought those looked like kanji numbers ?