alpha53

Thank you both for your replies. All super helpful information. Its great to find a fellow nihonto collector in Oregon. You aren't kidding about there not being many around these parts. I was actually planning a trip to Portland the 22nd so I think I'll add the militaria sale/show to my trip.

Years ago I bought this wakizashi that is supposed to be signed by masahiro and the seller claimed is from the muromachi period. Since I got it I've always wondered about the pommel cap and if there is a reason it would be lacquered in what appears to me to be poor fashion. The pommel cap is magnetic so it is definitely metal and looks like there is a design under the lacquer. Is there any reason this may have been done?