DTM72

Many thanks Jonathan and Steve! The link Steve posted is facinating. To my old friend, he feels that he has a treasure, with a name. Not sure where he got it or how, but whatever makes him happy. Thanks again guys!

I was unable to get any translation returns on 贞道 or 源贞道. I even tried 贞 just by itself, but it comes back as a chinese character. Makes me think even more about possible Chinese origins of this blade.

I would 110% agree you have the correct kanji. What is its translation? I have limited search abilities on my phone in a metal building with no wireless and VERY low signal strength.

I'm setting-up for a gun show in Charleston, and a gun dealer brings me a slightly fuzzy picture of a mei to translate. From what little I can see in the pics, I am guessing a kimonjo. I already informed him that it does not appear to be old but I need to see it in hand for proper evaluation. The dealer says it is at home and he is going to keep it and not sell it. He's a very elderly gentlemen and I have a soft spot for helping the elderly. He deals in mainly early 1900's guns and always points people with swords my direction. I do the same for him with older guns passing by. I'll stop my yapping now. Thanks in advance! 源 = Minamoto 完 = Sada? 道 = Michi

Since they are saying Around Eishō. 永正 your smith may be... https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/TAD129 or this guy https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/TAD136 or if you are lucky, it is... https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/TAD133 Blade has to be judged on its own merits. Simple hamon with everyday itame hada with little to no activity in the jihada or is it a WOW when you see the hamon and the hada? That would be the simple difference between the two smiths and the third smith above. Post good quality pics and some of the great people of this board may be able to help you figure where your smith falls...then again, it is still a big list of Bizen Tadamitsu's https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/list?id_op=%3D&id=&name_op=starts&name=tadamitsu&kanji_op=%3D&kanji=&province=52&start_era=All&school_nid=All

Was curious as to if there were ever anysmiths in Okinawa. Was there even a need for them there? Prior to WWII I never read of any great samurai battles there. My mind wanders to odd places sometimes.

I will definately have 2, but possibly 3 items.

Like this one?

I think you nailed it Jussi! You rock!

Trying to help a friend with his new kai-gunto. These chippy Showato mei are tough to crack, sometimes. 小 Chika?? ? ? 公 Masa 作 Saku

So many variations of Yoshi.. Many thanks Ray!

The second kanji has me guessing. 廣 Hiro 賀 Yoshi ??? 作 Saku

I agree, I did not see any of the aluminum handled versions for under $1000. I was there Friday and Saturday.

It is actually a netsuke with a solid barrel. Good thing is, I work at a machine shop and plan to drill the bore and the flash hole.

I think you got it Uwe! Many Thanks!

Here are some additional pics of the muzzle. I thought my kunitomo was long...this Sakai is 2" longer! Pics included of all four of my Teppo

The mekugi-ana is cutting through half of the first character of the mei. Please give me your best guess with the first character. Many thanks! Dan

Wishing you the best!

@Bugyotsuji about to board the plane home now. When I get home and unpacked, I can snap some additional pics.

Here are more pics of the Teppo before I begin the flight home. More detailed pics will come after I get it home. There pics are from a hotel room.

Thank you Piers and Moriyama San! I'll post pictures in the Teppo section of the forum

@Bruce Pennington stamp alert.

Dated Kyoho 6th year lucky day in 8th month. (1721) Bizen Kuni Osafune Ju Sukesada Saku Yes, it appears to be authentic.

Have a chance to purchase a Teppo in the morning. So far I have the date as, Bunsei Ju Ni Nen Shi Gatsu (April 1829) I cannot figure out the location. Sesshu Ju? ?? No Ju Maki Bari Last line I have no clue. Much appreciated! @Bugyotsuji