Lilleskit

Definitely a reflection but not sure it matters anymore, Kyle68 is MIA/not respondingto anything. 🤷🏽‍♂️😅

I think it hasn't been purchased yet. Looks like you at some type of shop(?). Depending on the price, it could be a great find.

I never intended for what I thought was a simple question to turn into a heated debate. I has, however, been very educational.

Sorry, I completely missed the responses. You are very correct, it is Wisteria. Were iron tsuba very common during tge edo period?

Yepp, you're definitely correct. 😎

Hello, Sorry for such a slow response. I missed the notification. Yes, it is quite interesting a first for me. I've never dived deeply into the world of tosogu but some of the items are very fascinating. I've never been the type of collector yo chase value so for me this tsuba is gold. 🙂 Kind regards Ken

As for the tsuba... I haven't got a clue. I think copper/copper alloys were more common from the Edo period forward but this one pictured doesn't feel correct for an edo period tsuba. Could it have been commissioned early Meiji so the family katana could be with him in battle? Did soldiers do that? Just fantasy and speculation on my part. I hope someone who knows what they're talking abaut chimes in soon. Best regards, Ken

Hey Kyle, It's difficult to see in the pictures you've provided, but i'm inclined to say yes, it could very well be traditionally made suriage katana. Zooming in on a couple of your pics, there appears to be a visible signs of a hamon and of a type not done on the mass produced blades from that era. The patina of the nakago and the presence of multiple nakago-ana hint at the blade having a much earlier origin. That said, with the pictures you took, it's hard for me to say with absolute certainty. Any possibility of clearer pics of the blade without so many reflections? It's hard to see what are scratches or just mirrored things in the room.

Not active rust. Along with the micro pitting you can see my reflection that appears somewhat redish at the top and bottom of the picture.

I think you're referring to the micro pitting/oxidation scaring on the shinogi-ji, ji, and mune. The redish color on the bottom right portion is me, my reflection. I'm a horrible photographer. 😅

Hi, No, it is in poor shape but there's no active rust on the blade. Maybe you're seeing reflections of the surroundings.

Yes, it recognize this blade and the mei. I found many examples signed this way. The reason I wavered from thinking it was a close enough match were the "dots". They are lined up, one behind the other, chasing each other down and to the left on some of the examples I've found. I truly want to be incorrect and find it to be authentic. Seems that the devils in the details. Some might remember gimei signed Kozuke Daijo Fujiwara Sukesada that looked pretty good exect for the final stroke not starting a little early and crossing over the previous one.

And here are its measurements: Sword Overview: Blade type: Suriage katana Nagasa: 69 cm Nakago: 19.5 cm Nakago-ana ×2 (5.5cm apart) Sori: 0.67 cm Kissaki Length: 3 cm Width: Base - 2.93 cm, Middle - 2.64 cm, Tip - 1.94 cm Thickness: Base - 0.74 cm, Middle - 0.65 cm, Tip - 0.54 cm Thanks for any insight 🙏🏽 Ken

Here is the blade in sections. Omote pics are 1-9, the remainder are of the ura side. https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Ow1USADZIQcjVaD9AbxAbKYG9x-I9qvz

Yes, it is unpaperd. Purchased in horrible shape from a antique dealer that deals mostly in European blades and collector coins.