ReefTank

Thankfully your suggestions matched what I was thinking. Tonight I was able to slowly dremel the rivet head and push it out with a nail punch. Full disclosure, with my excitement I've done zero research and this one is quite different. There appears to be a stamp above the mekugi. Below it is the following kanji which was difficult to get a decent picture. Lastly the other side appears painted instead of any inscription. The rust is noticeably different also. For the don't rush polishing advise, I definitely get it as there's so much to learn. I imagine I'm slightly overprotective in wanting to immediately stop any rust/degradation of the sword. It took a long time to come into my possession.. I was fortunate however to meet another member of this community who cleaned them with alcohol and applied Choji oil. Thanks again for your assistance

Thank you. It is greatly appreciated

And for the problematic one... thanks again for such prompt replies

The picture file sizes of the mei are too large to upload, working on it now

Hello everyone! Thank you for all the great information in these forums. I have finally inherited my family sword collection. As a slightly younger man, was involved in a few Japanese martial arts. Needless to say, I am more motivated to learn and preserve these swords than their previous owners. I have 3. All need attention. The parade sword I intend to clean rust with alcohol and coat with Ren wax. Please let me know if I should do differently. For the 2 nihonto(?), I could use some translation help and recommendations for professional polishing. The first mei I can see, the second appears to have a rivet, presumably from a US service member, where the mekugi(?) should be. All productive help is greatly appreciated. Also, please let me know if I should continue my assistance request in this thread or use a different forum.. and hopefully I won't screw up posting pics A day in the 8th month of.. ?