JAF

Hello all. I don't know if this is the correct forum to place this question, but I was wondering if anyone could help me identify how to have a sword authenticated? I posted on this message board a couple of years ago some pictures of a sword I have and the response from a member identified the signature as Yoshikane (吉包), Enpō (延宝, 1673-1681), Chikuzen – „Chikuzen-jū Minamoto Nobukuni Yoshikane“ I would like to have it authenticated to see if it is real or a replica. I live in the US and was hoping someone could point me to a person or organization that I could speak to find out the process for authentication. I'm aware of the Shinsa process, but it seems the shows are few and would require travelling to one of their locations. Is there another reputable way for authentication? Any help in pointing me to a person / organization / website that I could reach out to and discuss this further? Thank you in advance for your help and if I posted in the wrong forum I apologize. Below are a few pictures of the sword:

I really appreciate everyone's help! Thanks to all.....

Also, any more information about the sword maker would be appreciated? I'm a complete novice to this....

Wow! Very cool. Any recommendations on how / where to get this authenticated?

Ok everyone. I was able to get the handle off. The only markings are in Japanese (I think)? There are no other markings on the opposite side. Here are 2 pics of the same markings. I hope you can see them ok....if not I'll upload some more. Hopefully this will mean something to someone with more knowledge than myself.

There are two pins. The pin closest to the top of the handle protrudes on both sides while the other pin only sticks out on one side. Any tips on the best way to remove the pins? They are both partially under the handle wrapping. Also, the handle is not a leather wrap....its woven. Here are a few better pics of the handle. The first two pics are from the side of the handle where both pins protrude (top and bottom respectively) and the second two pics are of the other side of the handle where only one pin protrudes. And for clarification the pin that protrudes from both sides is the one at the top of the handle. Thanks again for all the replies!

Thank you all for the advice so far! It has never been cleaned (and handled improperly to this point), but I will make sure to follow the instructions provided. I'll also gently try and remove the handle per the link provided. I'm very curious about it now and will update the board with results. Thanks again....any more advice / instructions / insight would be greatly appreciated. I appreciate the lack of jabs at a newb .

Good afternoon all, I'm new to the forum and I was wondering if anyone could help me with some information regarding this sword. Backstory.....it was brought back from WWII by my grandfather and has been sitting in an attic for many, many years. I'm afraid to try and remove the handle to see identifying information, but I was hoping that someone would have some general information that would help me understand if it was just a common sword mass produced for the war or possibly have some history behind it. I'm not looking to sale it, but I would like to understand if it has value. I was going to hang it up in my sons room, but I figured I would try and find out a little information first. Below are a few pictures. I'm not sure if they are able to provide enough visual evidence to help, but i thought I would start with this. Lastly, if I am in an incorrect forum or should not be asking these types of questions on this site in general, please let me know and I'll remove the post. Thanks in advance to any help that can be provided. Jim