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Thank you both, that gave me a lot of good information to search I found this old thread with the same design https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19513-what-would-make-you-think-it-is-not-a-nobuie-tsuba/ I see a lot of gimei nobuie out there, and mine looks like a pretty crude version of the signature (to my novice eye). Do you think mine might be a gimei akasaka copy of the design? Or potentially a fake? Cheers, -Sam

I think it is iorimune, but my photo did not capture it well. I’ll attach another incase I am mistaken That’s good info, and I appreciate the input, thank you!

Forgot to add these two

Oh my goodness, that’s a turtle? That’s so cool! It appears there’s a kanji above, but it’s covered by rust except the very bottom part. I don’t think there’s a kanji below. Here’s another photo

That would be a fun project, its a beautiful little piece I've considered using it as a bolo-tie for my wedding - by threading string through the loop of the obidome

Recently got a mumei wakizashi; and surprise! The tsuba is signed I appreciate any help in translating. I can provide more photos if requested Cheers, -Sam

Hello again, Welcome to another thread of me buying/rescuing an out of polish mumei sword that I found at a local gun sale. I was attracted to the hira zukuri, and also the hamon. Unfortunately the condition, chipping, and rust have obscured some detail. I struggled to get good photos of this one, so apologies for that. Any opinions welcome! I’m particularly interested in opinions on its age. It’s in a ww2 leather covered saya, and some civilian fittings Nagasa = 41 cm sori = 1 cm nakago = 11.5 cm motokasane = 6.8 mm sakikasane = 5 mm motohaba = 30.2 mm sakihaba ~ 24 mm (not sure how to measure this one on hirazakuri) The boshi apears to turn back along the mune and the hamon seems to reappear along the mune, which I thought was interesting. If you’d like more photos, ask and I’ll do my best. Thanks everyone!

Thank you Piers! A repurposed kashira would make a ton of sense! I thought it was small for an Obidome, and that would explain it. Mino makes sense to me too! Thank you. Now I’m starting to see the similarities on my mino katana koshirae

I’ve got this obidome. Just sharing because I like how much it reminds me of tosogu Any opinions welcome, especially on the type of flowers and grass depicted. It was listed as chrysanthemum and autumn sword grass, but I have doubts Cheers, -Sam

On that type 95, there appears to be a stamp, maybe Seki?, right behind the bohi. Never seen that before on the blade, but i'm no NCO guy I agree that it doesn't look right. To my novice eyes Edit: The older blade in type94 fittings, from the original post looks interesting. I'm an Ebay seller of comics and collectables, and Ebay still makes me nervous when it comes to antiques. Best of luck, -Sam

It's tough to get a good eye on it. Any chance on getting a more clear image? Here's my shot-in-the-dark guess: Two Samurai in armor jumping from boat to boat over waves. One with a naginata, and one with a sword

I think they look great! I’ve enjoyed watching the progress on IG Honestly, going in blind, I don’t think I would clock them as modern. I like the reserved style of both, and especially the radiating lines on the 2nd one. They don’t look plain to me I like to say “less is more”, and I think you’ve captured that idea with class and skill Well done!

I've decided to save my money for Blades and/or Tosogu, where my current interests are. A fellow forum member reached out, and is looking for something like this. I am hoping they are able to purchase the set, and save it from the antique store shelves. Getting it into the collection of someone who will appreciate it - is a win for me! Thanks again everyone! I'll be spending my day on that Bonhams website, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you Colin, and everyone! Every time I go antiquing, and find something Japanese that's listed as a "samurai" item, it's either extremely over priced, or extremely underpriced. I had my hopes up that this might be one of those underpriced items. Maybe next time! Thanks again! Cheers, -Sam

Thank you. Next time I stop in, I will ask to view it outside the case, look for a signature, and get some better photos

Not sure if this is the right subforum or not. Please move if I’m in the wrong place This set of saddle and stirrups have been at a local antique store for about a year now. I take a look at them every time I visit, but they are behind glass Any thoughts on age, quality, or authenticity? Cheers, -Sam

I can't tell if that's damage or ware on the saya, or the depiction of a Native American arrowhead? I think my eyes are playing tricks on me Carry on, -Sam

I agree, I just hope it’s not too pitted, or tired Whatever the togishi can tell me about it will be a big learning experience for me too. He helped me years ago with my inherited sword, and I’m still grateful for that As always, I appreciate your input! I’ll let you know how it goes, and hoping for the best, -Sam

Oops, my misunderstanding, You are probably right! I am looking forward to hearing what the Togishi has to say about it. Even if it's nothing special, it's been a helpful and interesting study tool for newbie like me

Thank you Stephen! The saya definitely needs some work. I find it strange that the hanger implies the blade being worn blade-down on such a short sword. I’ve let this blade intrigue me enough to send it to a Togishi. It’s in the mail now Ill let you know what the togishi says. I am cautiously hoping that it’s worth a restoration and I can experience bringing a sword back to life. If not, it will live in my collection and be admired for what it is here’s a link to my other post with more blade photos cheers, -Sam

Thank you for clarifying. That makes a lot more sense Now I understand Michaels comment a lot more too. I had blinders on, and was thinking of “The” Masamune, and didn’t consider others using the same mei

I know several Masamune swords exist, but I thought the “hanjo masamune” was a specific sword. Am I incorrect in that? Is it true that no existing signed Masamune works exist? All mumei? Diving into the pdf Ray shared now