Graviga

Ok that makes sense. I am unfamiliar with copper wool. It sounded kind of abrasive.

Thanks Marc. That's nice to know I can clean it up. Is there a limit to the amount of clean up I can do? For instance can I start with 400 grit sand paper and move up? I don't think your being rude at all. If it's not worth what I paid it's not worth it.

Bought this today at a local antique store. I paid 125$(+10 tax), and was wondering a few things: 1. How did I do price wise? 2. Any more specific information about it? 3. I've only ever owned modern production swords and Nihonto, so I'm unsure of how to care for it. I know I can't scrub the rust off, but can I oil it? Care for the leather in anyway? Clean some of the dirt off? Just leave it alone? It does have a nice protective patina. Thanks I have no idea. More pics in the link below: photos.app.goo.gl/LxPnNxEvMQiTNiaH8

Thank you. That would be in line with one of the smiths. I don't think there is much more I can do to capture it with photo as it is hard to make out in person.

Hi Mike, That makes perfect sense on a Nihonto forum when I put some thought into it. The mei portion with the date is quite difficult to see and harder to photograph. It was necessary to experiment across a variety of conditions.

Thank you interesting read. I interpreted mine matching the triangle pattern labeled number three. I wonder if some of these patterns linked to time periods are based on how a sword was mounted and remounted in different times. With each specific mekugiana marking a style of mounting in a different time period.

More pictures of the mei with the date. Are there words that are specific to each side of the nagato when refering to a mei?

Hi Uwe, I took some pictures in better lighting and focused on getting the top half and bottom half focused separately. I will post the remaining pictures that don't fit below.

Good evening, I am looking for some overall help regarding this sword. Any pointers overall including terminology will be appreciated. I posted the sword to a Nihonto discussion group on Facebook a while back and was told the signature was: sagami kuni junin hiromitsu Researching that name I have been able to find two smiths who use that signature, one from the 1300s and one from the 1500s. When I originally posted the pictures I had taken did not reveal any detail about the other side of the nagato. I believe this to have the date the sword was made. Translation of this side would be greatly appreciated as this would go a long way towards telling who the smith is. Also conformation of the original signature translation. Also opinions on authenticity or which smith or time period it is. Thank you More pics on Google share drive: https://photos.app.goo.gl/sjeZ8WWs1efEV7Za9