Japan Please help with sword signature

[Stogieman]

A very good friend of mine is down for the holiday and he has brought a recent acquisition with him.

Can anyone help with the signature on the tang?

[Stogieman]

part of the blade and hardware

[Stogieman]

here's the handle, some of the fittings, part of the blade and the tip of the leather knot attached

[Stogieman]

The Tsuba

[Stogieman]

In addition to having the scabbard fully covered in leather, the entire handle had this leather cover that cinches up with a tie and leather knot

[Stogieman]

here's part of the leather covered scabbard

[Stogieman]

tip of the scabbard

[Stogieman]

another view of the tang

[Stogieman]

That's all for now, the picture taking took place after the consumption of adult beverages. We'll try and get some better pictures today in the daylight sans adult beverage.

[Jktu]

Perhaps it is:摂州住藤原長綱

[Stogieman]

But what is the translation please?

[Jktu]

Photos are bad. I'm not sure about the characters.

Here are the inscriptions on the katanas:

http://books.google.com.ua/books?id=JXerop95iWYC&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=%22%E6%91%82%E5%B7%9E%E4%BD%8F%E8%97%A4%E5%8E%9F%E9%95%B7%E7%B6%B1%22Nagatsuna&source=bl&ots=LDVc2UzwKU&sig=tuD5IYEdYPvGHqQ7XAdHdNAGFJI&hl=ru&sa=X&ei=XjDYUeHTFsjEtAaq6IGIBg&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22%E6%91%82%E5%B7%9E%E4%BD%8F%E8%97%A4%E5%8E%9F%E9%95%B7%E7%B6%B1%22Nagatsuna&f=false

Here are discussing similar: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=13399

Edited July 6, 2013 by Jktu

[Stogieman]

The Kanji do not match that signature. here's some better images from daylight

[Stogieman]

better image of left end (bottom?)

[Stogieman]

and another

[Stogieman]

additional image first part of inscription

[Stogieman]

additional of end of inscription

[Stogieman]

Blade is about 29 inches long

[Guest Rick Research]

I'm not putting that blade under my arm to Epsonize it!!!!

[JapanX]

Perhaps it is:摂州住藤原長綱

Fujiwara?

By the way looks like manufacturer with this name is still active

http://www.fujiwarakanefusa.com/products/

[Jktu]

The first and last characters are not very visible.

州住藤原長 - are correct.

Probably: 加州住藤原長次. The first character is like.

http://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=%E5%B7%9E%E4%BD%8F%E8%97%A4%E5%8E%9F%E9%95%B7

Translation:

Fujiwara (藤原) Nagatsugu (長次) living in (住) Kashū (加州) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaga_Province

[JapanX]

I see you are still working on sundays at the crack of dawn :rolleyes:

[Stogieman]

Played with images, to try and up contrast. here's an additional image.

Thanks much for all the help, we really appreciate the input!

[Jktu]

You're welcome.
Now the last character is visible.
It's really 次

Edited July 7, 2013 by Jktu

[Stogieman]

Thanks much for the assistance and the links. My friend is quite pleased with the rapid help and knowledge shared.

Any comments on the fitings, etc. would be most welcomed.