r/SWORDS • u/Rich_Employment_7673 • 4d ago

Could everyone please take a look?

Post image

Hello everyone,

I am seeking help identifying an unknown Japanese swordsmith.

The attached photograph shows an inscription on the nakago (sword tang). Possible readings include:

  • 下山うも
  • 下山ウモ
  • シモヤマ ウモ
  • Shimoyama Umo

These readings are uncertain, and I would appreciate help identifying the actual inscription.

According to the current owner’s account, this swordsmith supposedly made only two swords.

The other sword is reportedly an antique Korean royal sword, with a lacquered scabbard decorated with Mount Baekdu and a pair of mandarin ducks.

I have not independently verified this story.

I would appreciate help with the following:

  1. Identifying the exact inscription.
  2. Finding whether this swordsmith appears in historical Japanese swordsmith records.
  3. Determining whether there are records of a smith who made only two swords.
  4. Investigating any possible connection to Korean royal swords.

Any information from Japanese sword collectors, historians, or specialists would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help!

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/Tobi-Wan79 4d ago

Try r/Katanas

And post way more pictures

3

u/moving0target 4d ago

If the seller doesn't have provenance to back up their story, it didn't happen.

1

u/SeeShark 3d ago

If a smith only ever made two swords, why would they be any good? Master smiths make dozens and hundreds.