nagamaki - Franco

Hello Tom, There is a link posted in the comments section to additional images.

Namban Futakoromono Iron Kozuka and Kogai NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon http://nihontocraft.com/Namban_Futakoro_Mono_Kozuka_Kogai.htm

Hello, From what I can see in the images this sword is beyond saving imo, most likely exposed to fire. There is a Chicago sword show (information is posted here on NMB), where you can take it to get additional opinions including from polishers.

Hello, My guess would be that these are assembly marks.

Hello, Ah, yes, memory refreshed. May I ask what the result of sending the sword out to be examined was? Thank you.

Hi, Not sure if this fits what you're looking for ....... http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/tsuba-with-design-of-shishi-and-cub-12090

Hello Jason, Link to that thread? Thank you.

Pardon, at least for me there seems to be a lot of if's here, where it might be wise to discuss before throwing the cost of a "full polish" on this sword. Just saying.

https://markussesko.com/2013/09/14/the-secret-world-of-mekugi-ana/

Greetings All, Please forgive me for not apologizing, but the discourse that began to follow was much too interesting to interrupt, thank you. But, now that it has played out somewhat, my interpretation of the question, just to let you know, was always a level ranking and not individual. Carry on.

Hello Ford, While agreeing in part with your statement I would point out that the possibility of objectivity does exist and comes together in the form of an overwhelming consensus and agreement as to what defines a masterpiece. So, my exception is with your words only ever.

Adding to what Ray said, the proportions of this kissaki look off to me, suggesting this sword's next polish needs foundation polish correction. Combine that with the thin boshi and this sword may very well be on its last polish. In which case it had best be placed in the hands of a polisher with outstanding foundation technique and skills for any work.

Hello, First habaki, have not seen this exact pattern before, represents moss (koke) growing on a surface.

No worries, was unaware of mobile version. Display name now changed.

Hello, Please describe your likes and dislikes? Thank you.

Hi Paul, Funny, having hunted for just the right original Edo period koshirae for years without success, I almost surrendered to a wonderful "Tart's boudoir" set, but in the end couldn't bring myself to do it.

Hi Curran, Thoughts, agree with most of what you've said. My thought here is that IF you are going to remove this mei, shinsa first. The reason being is that imo this may very well be an Omori school piece (and perhaps shinsa could tell you that even if they pink it), in which case, at least for me, removing the mei doesn't make a whole lot of sense. In general unless something would paper TH or better, removing the mei doesn't make much sense, yes, enjoy as is. A footnote, I would submit it to a regional shinsa first, not send it to Japan unless it passed.

Hi, no right or wrong answers here, just interested in seeing this sword through someone else's eyes/thought process. Never thought of using the word "blousy" to describe the hamon, like it! Thank you.

Good morning, Thoughts; quality? jigane? nakago? etc.? What does nice mean? How do you measure nice? Thank you

Katana: Oite Osaka Izumi Kami Kunisada Saku Kore-#23th Juyo paper https://www.aoijapan.com/katana-oite-osaka-izumi-kami-kunisada-saku-kore-23th-juyo-paper No, I'm not looking to buy.

Hello, Suggest shinsa before doing anything in the way of signature removal.

Is the other side of this tsuba blank?

Hello, I would add Uda to the list of schools to consider.

Hello, Pardon, perhaps I'm a bit confused, but I do not currently see this turtle set for sale at nihontocraft.com, and if so, why wouldn't it be possible for this to be the same set? And, why not simply ask the German collector offering the trade if they came from Danny?

Hello, A few comments. 1) When seeking opinions it is most helpful for full length images to be included in order to begin judging age. 2) Those lines under the habaki are polisher's marks. 3) This is a link http://www.sho-shin.com/okada1.jpg to a known Ichimonji Yoshifusa nihonto for comparison. Additional images can be found of this smith's work online. 4) Your sword imo appears to be a bit on the tired side. It is generally most informative to get a polisher's opinion regarding condition.