Hi, i would like some help in identifying or appraising a Wakizashi i just acquired.
as far as i know, i was informed it is around 400+ years old and the fittings are all antiques.
the tang is unsigned and i do not have any documents for it.
few peculiar things i identified though, such as,
1) the handle has a hole exposing the core and it seems like it used to be the original mekugi. the current mekugi is slanted, as the holes seem to be aligned in such a way its not a perpendicular angle through.
2) there is only one seppa at the blade end and it seems to be modern day china made
3) the fittings at the bottom are images of deers (i think) and the fittings under the handle wraps seem to be horses.
4) the Habaki seems to be copper wrapped in silver foil with images of chrysanthemum flowers
5) everything else seems to be fine, the hamon, blade length, age etc
will anyone be able to shed some light on this piece? the age, style of swordsmith, period, authenticity, maker, etc. it seems to me the fittings are not all original, and have been swapped or modified over the years.
any help is appreciated. thank you!
