Okan

No worries. It’s not a textbook test, but it adds another point in favor of it being legit. Sometimes photos can be misleading, so it’s difficult to judge from pictures alone. Of course, the most definitive answer would come from someone with experience examining it in hand. That being said, I’m fairly confident it’s not a cast.

I've probably shared this with a sword a while ago but here is another shot for the archives. Signed(inside-huh) Made in 1853.

Balin, hold the tsuba by the edge with your fingertip at the center and tap it gently with your fingernail. Do you hear a high-pitched ringing sound, or is it a dull sound? Cast usually makes a dull sound.

Doesn't look like cast.

Some better photos:

2 more photos

Hi Les, Yes I know this tsuba. Is it yours?

Thank you Uwe!

Hi, Can anyone help out with this one? Thank you very much

Dear Piers, I really don't know the difference between Ko-Kagamishi and Kagamishi..Ko is early Muromachi and without late Muromachi maybe? It's papered as Ko:

Hi all, I thought I’d share something neat. Although I haven’t had much experience with Kagamishi, I figured picking one up would be a good opportunity to start learning. These are just some quick photos for now, but I’ll take proper ones when I’m back home.

Awataguchi Tadatsuna(2nd) Katana (NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon) A refined katana attributed to the second-generation Awataguchi Ōmi no Kami Tadatsuna, one of the prominent Osaka masters of the Edo period. Details: • Period: Mid Edo (1688-1704) • Province: Settsu • Certification: NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Token • Mounting: Koshirae + Shirasaya Dimensions: • Blade length: 71.2 cm (2 shaku 3 sun 5 bu) • Curvature: 2.0 cm • Mekugi-ana: 1 • Motohaba / Kasane: 32.3 mm / 7.4 mm • Sakihaba / Kasane: 22.2 mm / 5.2 mm The blade reflects the refined character of Osaka workmanship, with elegant proportions and a composed, well-balanced sugata that sits naturally in hand. The koshirae is thoughtfully assembled, centered around a rare polished same (ray skin) saya, paired with shakudō nanako fuchi-kashira and aoi menuki. Akasaka-style sukashi tsuba completes the mounting, bringing a sense of quiet strength and cohesion. Altogether, the mounting presents with understated sophistication, enhancing the blade without overpowering it. $16,000 https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15YCFRog4WH2x76ZN4iy-uxWKdhSQujKk?usp=sharing

A fine Ko-Gassan wakizashi with NBTHK Hozon paper Nagasa: 48.9 cm Sori: 1.1 cm Motohaba: 2.9 cm Kasane: 0.5 cm Date of registration: Showa 33 (1958) Ishikawa pref. The Gassan school of Dewa Province is one of the most respected traditions in Japanese swordmaking, with a lineage extending from the Koto period into modern times. Authentic Koto-period Gassan Wakizashi are rarely encountered on the market. Based on its workmanship, excellent Ayasugi hada and overall characteristics, including its ō-kissaki (approx. 6 cm), the blade shows traits associated with the Nanbokuchō to early Muromachi period; however, precise dating remains difficult due to the consistency of Gassan style throughout the Koto era. Price: $5,600 USD A solid, papered, and increasingly hard-to-find Ko-Gassan piece.

Great work as always. Congrats!

It is a "Tada-mei" by the first generation Tadayoshi, and is estimated to be a work from around the 15th or 16th year of the Keicho era [1610–1611]. It is a utsushi of an old work by Rai Kunitoshi and is excellently made. Hizen no Kuni Tadayoshi. Blade length: 8 sun, 5 bu. Year of the Wood-Snake, March, by Tanzan.