I have been in possession of a Tsuba found with blade & parts ( 2 x seppa & what I think is the Fuchi). It was also found with a type of paper with inscription which was deteriorated & is broken into four parts. I was told the paper may have been used like a ribbon to tie the Tsuba to the scabbard.
The Tsuba has a crane with gold beak & legs. Front & back have wave patterns carved. I’m not sure what metal was used for the crane but it does not rust or tarnish same as the gold.
The fuchi has a gold dragon which does not tarnish.
The sword was found in 1987 on a beach in Dundee Northern Territory Australia in dry sand but due to salt water damage was rusted & broke in half upon being handled. The blade was stolen & never recovered.
The current idea is it could be from either a Japanese pearling crew or from World War 2. Dundee is close to Darwin which was heavily bombed but is also within range of pearling operations. If the world war 2 theory were true it could point to the possibility of either a Japanese soldier/pilot potentially setting foot on this location considering the paper with inscription has some readable characters in the writing.
I have included photos & hope someone may see something indicating authenticity & potential value for purpose of selling.
I look forward to any response.
