Scogg

What a neat little find! How interesting. Reminds me of a pin cushion. I’ve got no idea, but how cool. The treasure hunter in me wonders if the silk was wrapped around something in the center. Got an X-ray or metal detector ?? Best of luck, -Sam

Thank you @Dan tsuba, I appreciate the feedback, and I owe you an apology for being testy earlier. For that I’m sorry Edit:* Ultimately, I plan to get it into the hands of someone more experienced and knowledgable than I. Until then All the best my friend, Cheers, -Sam

I tried to focus on the leaf in question. It was very challenging to get good photos because it’s such a small area, but please let me know what ya think! Thanks again, -Sam

Thank you @Dan tsuba, that's very helpful. I see what you see - but the "seam" on the leaf is very hard to see in person. After work I'll have to investigate that area more carefully, and I'll try to get a better clear photo of it. My thoughts about it? Mostly confused! haha. I see everything the CAST party says, but I also see everything the NOT-CAST party says. I simply don't know what to think... If it's cast - I will keep it as an example of a sneaky cast. If it's hand forged - even better! I'll also keep it . Ultimately, I have no plans to part with it, so I just want to know the truth. And hopefully learn something in the process, Cheers, -Sam

Thanks for clearing that up Brian, that makes sense. And apologies to David for the misunderstanding Thank you for that link Colin! And for the info and input Jeremy! I'll be reading over that thread while I procrastinate my work today Thanks again everyone, and sorry I let this thread jump all over the place. Cheers, -Sam

I'm sure others will chime in, as this topic has been covered a lot In the meantime, it would be wise to read this article about the old green papers. It's a 'web archive' article, so you'll have to scroll down to the content. https://web.archive....en-papers-no-papers/ Best of luck, -Sam

Oh no! Looks like I'm misunderstanding again.. But this one does confuse me when you click on his page profile it says grandmaster, but on my browser it says moderator

And I thought studying blades was complicated and full of nuance Jokes aside - I appreciate everyones input a lot. I am looking forward to getting my Tsuba into the hands of someone more knowledgeable (than me), for an in-person assessment. I wish I could sit down and discuss it with you David, or Jean. If nothing else, I've learned how little I truly know - which is always humbling. @Spartancrest the image in your previous comment does not seem to be working - but I think I know the area you are referring to, upon looking at my original images. I took my Tsuba to my LED light this morning and tried to capture that area. It appears to be indented into the metal, roughly a long triangular shape, and is the only blemish like it on the whole tsuba. It was filled with dust or rust, that darkened when I rubbed it with my pinky finger. + Added some more photos under the LED, Thank you everyone, -Sam

Thank you @Soshin, I am less concerned with the downvote itself, and more concerned that I was misunderstood by someone I respect (you). Admittedly, I was taken-aback by a downvote from a moderator, but i'll get over it I never meant to conclude anything in my original post, and your previous comment implied that I was agreeing that this tsuba is cast along with Dan - but I didn't say, or conclude that. At least I didn't intend to. I'm simply too green with fittings to conclude anything here. If I failed to make that clear, that's on me. Again, thank you for the info and especially that link! I always appreciate the help and information, Sincerely, -Sam

Agreed! Always a big help, and much appreciated. Thank you @Soshin and @Spartancrest; thanks to people like you, I learn a little more every day. I hope nobody thinks I was asserting that this Tsuba is cast. It was meant to be a question and not a statement of fact. My apologies. Curran, that old tsuba you have for sale is really stunning! Cheers, -Sam

My apologies, you are right. It's not necessary for me to get defensive. I sincerely am just trying to understand what I have, because I don't know. I only meant to ask questions. This thread really took a left turn, and i'm sorry for my part in that. I am, 100%, without a doubt, out of my depth with fittings. Again, my apologies to anyone I offended, I respect everyones advice, knowledge, and input to this community. -Sam

No offense Dan, but I was simply asking for the opinions of people more knowledgable than me. Originally I just wanted to know about the motif - maple or kiri. Your post history and past arguments are irrelevant to me. I got this Tsuba originally because I liked it. Simple as that. Floundering? Maybe, but that's my prerogative and $$$. I got it from someone I trust. You even admitted that you could be wrong, but then downvoted ROKUJURO? I just don't understand that logic. Sincerely, -Sam

Fear not! No hammer was used in the enjoyment of this tsuba . I would never. I also wish I could get it into David, or Jeans hands. If either of you ever attend the SF or Vegas sword show in the future - I plan to attend them and will bring it along. I appreciate the discussion, -Sam

Thank you for your input. I am very happy to hear that it’s not cast. I originally did not think it was cast at all. I’ve enjoyed it in my collection for about a year, and never even considered it being cast. Dan made the cast suggestion, and I admittedly am too new to argue it. So I added the question to the topic for confirmation from the more experienced like yourself, Jean, Brian and Dale. Im glad I did, because y’all have helped confirm it’s not cast. I enjoy admiring it, and have developed a liking to Owari in the process. Thank you for your input and help, All the best, -Sam

Thank you Jean, and Dale! The triangular negative space ontop of the leaf is what made me think maple, for some reason. But the more kiri depictions I look at, the more I wonder. Ambiguous leaf might simply fit best. As far as the casting goes. I cannot find any discernable "seams" anywhere; and the irregularities appear to be corrosion to my novice eye. Obviously I hope it to be real, so I'm the most biased party here. If there are any photos that would help, let me know, and I will do my best. If it were real, would anyone be willing to guess on it's age? Thanks again for everyone's input. I always learn a lot, and appreciate it. Cheers, -Sam

There’s no raining on this parade . It’s no problem at all - I’m here to learn. Hopefully I’ll get some more opinions that help confirm or deny that if it’s cast. Here’s some more photos where I focused on some of the areas you circled. I appreciate the help! It’s always a learning experience (last photo of one of the more smooth sides) All the best, -Sam

Bummer! Not doubting you, but would you mind pointing out where you see casting flaws so that I can see them? Admittedly, I’m not well versed in fittings Cheers, -Sam

I’ve got this tsuba that I’m pretty sure is Owari. I had thought the motif was maple leaf, but I saw some similar listed as paulownia leaf. Maple or paulownia? Something else? Cheers, -Sam

I've never seen a type 95 with hadori like that either. Also, the kissaki and yakote look nicer / more precise than other 95's i've seen... Granted, I've not seen everything. It's Interesting! Looking forward to what others have to say. -Sam

… You’re* . And Vajo is very knowledgable. For what it’s worth, the second nakago you shared with the notches does not look like any WW2 Arsenal blade I’ve ever seen. If the test results and conclusion are accurate, then I’d be suspicious that someone after the war added artificial patina, more mekugi-ana, altered the nakagojiri and probably created those notches in the process. In an attempt to make the nakago look like one from a much older sword. Seeing the whole sword, and nakago in better lighting would help others confirm or deny those suspicions and offer better input. Best of luck, -Sam

I think it's the same sword. To my eyes, it looks like the same tang (nakago) minus the chalk. I wonder if @b.hennick is around and remembers this one Cheers, -Sam

Wow, @Nihonto student, way to be quick with the search function! I'm impressed you found that so quickly Rick, my condolences, and I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. If your profile is accurate, being in Florida, you have unique opportunities to get your sword into the hands of some really knowledgeable people. There's a Japanese Sword Show in Orlando Florida this coming June. https://orlandoswordshow.com/ Best of luck, I like the looks of your sword, -Sam

Sold at $455 + $24.75 shipping

Looking forward to more pictures. To Brians point - The crude erasure of the signature is suspicious. The only reasons I can imagine is that: 1. This was done to erase a false signature (gimei). 2. Or done to hide an arsenal stamp so it could be sold as a nihonto rather than an arsenal showato. 3. Or that it was done to mislead someone into thinking it's an o-suriage older blade refitted for the war. 4. Maybe I'm missing a possible scenario. I think the arsenal stamp scenario is most likely, but hopefully better pictures will tell the whole story. Per usual, I'm inclined to agree with Kirill, as he's much more knowledgeable than I. All the best, and welcome to the forum! Cheers, -Sam

Thanks for the input y’all. The auction ends today and it will be interesting to see what it sells for. Bruce, you got my nose into my books this morning. Maybe it’s a variation of one of these in Jim Dawsons book, perhaps? Page 280*