Rustyblade

If this sword is from the "fifth year of Tensho", that would be what, 1575ish? how would this end up in a farmers possession in rural Ohio? I don't know if anyone from that side of my family fought in WWII, and they have lived in the US long enough to have fought in the civil war. BTW, I don't think there is a drop of Oriental blood in me, we are solid European decedents

You would be correct Nagamaki, I found this blade on the dirt floor of my grandfathers barn, it has been through one, if not two barn fires, and is slightly bent/ curved.

I acquired this "sword" (can hardly call it that with how rusty it is) a few years ago, but havent done anything to it. I decided to see if I can find anything out about it, and was directed here from Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/SWORDS/comments/5os08p/writing_on_handle_of_very_rusty_katana_blade_any/ Any help at all would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Greg