Philli

Thanks for all of the replies so far, they are very helpful. It would be wonderful if it was by someone as famous as Teisai Hokuba - and I suppose contacting bonhams would be a good idea (though a person who did so on my behalf a couple of years ago wasn't able to get an opinion from them). Here are a few more pictures of the details, as well as a clearer shot of the seal:

Hello! I have had this painting for a while now, and I have tried contacting translators in the past to get the signature translated- but it seems like no one is able to read this very archaic form of Japanese! Does anyone here know of any Japanese museums, antique appraisal places or perhaps individuals that could help me with this translation? Best regards

Indeed, I feel very fortunate and I hope this tanto will aid me in learning more about the subject and Japanese art / culture in general! I have now oiled it with sewing-machine oil (mineral oil) and I took some more pictures of the blade without the habaki while I was at it:

Thanks yet again for all the replies! It's circa 10mm thick at the base if anyones wondering. I have tried to take a few better pictures of the blade itself in my lightbox:

Thanks for all the interesting replies so far! I am only handling the blade with either cotton gloves or a piece of cloth, and I will look into getting some oil to prevent further degradation. As for restoration, I am in no rush since I'm currently not planning on selling it and will research it further before proceeding (and hopefully I will have come across some fun menuki before that point in time). Based on what ROKUJORO wrote about it possibly being a Yoroi-Doshi (armor-piercer), would this indicate that it was originally made for military personnel (ie samurai)?

Hello, I recently bought this tanto at an auction for 20 usd. The pictures didn't show the nakago (so I was pretty excited when I found out that it was signed), and it was simply described as an "oriental dagger" but I think it might have some age? I have never owned or even handled a Nihonto in person before so any information regarding the age, style, maker, regional origin etc of the blade and the koshirae is greatly appreciated! I also have some more specific questions: 1. Restoration of the handle: I would like to get the handle rewrapped by a professional, though the menuki are sadly missing. Should I purchase a pair that matches the motif on the kozuka, and would it be okay if they didn't match 100% and perhaps simply featured a bow like these ones: Tsuba Superior Menuki 018 Red Copper Background Bow and Arrow Diagram Peri | eBay ? 2. Restoration of the blade: The blade is slightly rusty from fingerprints - would it make sense monetarily to have this blade professionally polished in Japan, and if not is there something I could do myself?