c1500 16th Century Matsumori Samurai Blade and Unusual Ray Spine Scabbard

[Jayhawker353]

Greetings I bought this sword recently for resale and intend to post it to the e-stand for sale. I believe that this mark is a c.1480-1550 Matsumori signature. I believe that although the tang may have been shortened and a peg "hole" filled with led solder this signature and sword is all original. I suppose the Ray Spine scabbard would date to the 19th century. Seeking opinions and input so that I am not misleading any potential customers.

The two attachment images that follow are just "teasers," for quality macro images please view the link to my flickr album.

Thanks for the opinions!

[Jayhawker353]

Flickr Album Link

Better Images: https://flic.kr/s/aHskYFMtzm

[GHP]

I'm not fully convinced about the first kanji, but it might/could/maybe/perhaps be
盛
Mori

The second kanji strikes me as "mitsu", Light.
光


So perhaps
盛光
Morimitsu

???????
Again, I'm not fully convinced about the first engraved kanji because of that semi-vertical/diagonal stroke on the far right -- it looks like there are strokes between a radical like 行 or 門. But perhaps that semi-vertical/diagonal stroke is a rendering of 戈 in this part: 成 ?????


Time to call in the bonafide experts!!!!!

--Guy

[Jayhawker353]

Thanks, Guy!

I think its like the childrens "telephone" game in that I am pretty sure I was told it was a Morimitsu blade by someone who saw me buy it about three months ago. By the time I got it posted here, it became a Matsumori blade

[Bob Coleman]

I agree with Guy that the kanji appears to be an unusual striking of Mori. There was a well known Morimitsu from Bizen but this is definitely not his signature. With the condition of the blade, it is impossible to say anything else from pictures. Do you have the handle and tsuba?

[Death-Ace]

What I fear is that there is what appears to be hagiri in the first pic and the penny comparison picture.

[Bob Coleman]

What I fear is that there is what appears to be hagiri in the first pic and the penny comparison picture.

Quite possible. The blade has some very deep nicks that to take out in polish would cause a lot of the blade's shape.