now he/she is cock sure

[Bungo]

it is a Yamakichibi ( spelling ? )

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0185098581

just check the bidding history.

 

but...I am full of doubts

 

milt the flying ronin

[John A Stuart]

It doesn't appeal to me. Too dry. I no sabi this wabi. But what do I know? John

[Pete Klein]

I am 99 and 44/100th's percent certain it's gimei. The working of the metal is not up to either the first or second's hand and the strokes of 'Yama' aren't correct. The shodai signed Yama kichi without the 'bei' at times which might explain the brevity of the mei. It's interesting to note there is an example of a similar piece in the second KTK book, page 79, belonging to Millard 'Skip' Holbrook II who resides state-side and is quite an authority on iron tsuba. Never know but I just sort of doubt it.