Eric Wesson

Gents, thank you, everyone, who contributed to my understanding and helped me get this sword into the hands of someone who appreciates it. FYI it sold for $330 (no scabbard, by the way), and the guy who bought it told me it was an "okay" price. Who knows, maybe he was trying to sandbag me, even post sale - but like I said, if I'm doing this to get rich, I'm doing a rather poor job of it.

I figured as much, but didn't realize that was the translation. Thanks.

I understand the bottom four marks are 田魚次作, which translates to "next fish" or something like that.

Thanks! and thanks for the info.

hahaha are you implying my dear old grandpa collected Ginsu knives?

I'm selling this sword, inherited from my great-grandfather who collected late 19th century - early 20th century firearms and blades. I put it up on Ebay, and someone told me he thought it might be considerably older than Japanese WWII. I wanted to make sure I'm doing right by my ancestor, so I'm trying to make out the tang marks. I can post more pictures but didn't want to clutter this post. I'm less interested in making money than ensuring the sword goes into the hands of someone who appreciates it. Any help you can provide in identifying the sword would be greatly appreciated. http://www.ebay.com/itm/254516863155