Kinnan

I have to admit that my photographic skills still need a lot of work But I'm not someone who gives up easily, so here's another try.... Btw, the dew drops are yellow in color.

Forgot to mention; non-magnetic and reddish copper tone showing at the edges.

Hopefully this will show it better. Kinnan.

Hi everyone, I already came to know more about the rest of the sword it came with, in the Nihonto subforum. But given the fact that the tsuba experts most likely are active here, I'll try and get some more information on this tsuba here. It's unsigned. Is it shakudo? Is it possbile to assign it to a specific school, or is it a rather generic example? And maybe a period? Many thanks in advance, Kinnan.

Well, I have a rather romantic idea about objects from the past: how they have survived and come down to us, wear and tear included, all form a part of their unique individual histories. Using this sword as an example:altough I agree that the state it is in prevents from studying and appreciating it's true virtues, the fact that it has been mishandled and neglected for many years, resulting in it's present condition, being unrecognized for what it truly was, also created the possibility for me to come by it (or it to come my way) the way it did. So I'm quite sure I'll be hanging on to it, I am indeed in no urge to make impulsive decisions. I hope I haven't bored you all too much with my ramblings... And now I'm off to the Tosogu subforum, hoping someone can tell me more about the tsuba. Kind regards from someone eager to learn, Kinnan.

I posted pictures of the sword I bought at a local flea market, in the general Nihonto section, but today I was able to take a better picture of the mei, and would greatfully appreciate any suggesting for it's translation, thus it's also more appropriate to post it in this section. Thanks in advance! Kinnan.

Thank you all for the kind replies! The more I'm reading about the craftmanship involved in creating these weapons, the more exciting I become. Judging from the reactions it would be worthwile to restore it, but from what I have read till now, this is a costly process if done the correct way, and since I'm just a waiter in a restaurant, it will take quite some time to get such savings together. With some natural lighting and a better camera, I've been able to take a much better picture of the mei, so I'll be posting it in the translation section. Kinnan.

Hopefully this will be of a help, it really is very difficult to capture the hamon with a camera, but I did my best. Also a few sharper images of the mei, and the other inscription. And a combined picture of the tsuba, kashira and fuchi and in my previous posts I forgot the pictures of the inscription on the kozuka, so here they are. (I'm slowly getting to know some basic terms, realizing there is a completely new world opening up to me, and I'm astouneded by the vast amount of knowledge is shared on this forum... many congrats on that!) Kinnan

A better picture of the first 2 kanji of the other inscription under better lighting (don't think it resembles the 'rai' kanji (is that a correct terminology? Do correct me if I'm wrong, as this can become quite a learnfull experience for me)and also total picture. Thanks already for the fast replies! Kinnan.

The actual damage

The rest of the signatures

Hello to all! I hope I've come to the right place to help identify the maker and date of this sword I bought at a local flea market last saterday. I know a little about antiques in general, but old weapons are unchartered territory for me. Unfortunately there is a lot of damage, the tip is even broken off, something that is apparently considered a 'fatal flaw' (from what I've read so far). After some further reading I've managed to remove the handle to revael what could be a signature of the maker, hopefully someone will be able to translate. But the fact that it had a certain degree of quality about it, and the fact the young lady only wanted 10 euros (about 11 dollars) for it, I took a gamble and bought it. Many thanks in advance! Kinnan.