I put this in the wrong thread

[Bigsgtg]

This is my first sword. I've inherited two. I was hoping someone would be able to tell me about the maker and year,month, etc. Thank you!

[Bigsgtg]

[Bigsgtg]

[Peter Bleed]

and you put it in upside down. we old timer have had to do gymnastics to read it...

Awataguchi (something Kami) Tadayuki..

 

Peter

[Bigsgtg]

Lol I apologize. Is there a way to change the orientation sir?

[Ray Singer]

Komei Yamato Norinaga. What I believe is being said is that there was originally a mei of Yamato Norinaga before it was made osuriage. 

[Ray Singer]

Other side: Awataguchi Settsu no kami Minamoto Tadayuki (shortened this) 

[Bigsgtg]

Is this a good sword for a beginning collector. I had to pay my cousin 400.00 for it to keep it in the family. Might you have an idea as to the age sir? Thank you 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Yes a potentially good sword for $400, remember it will cost a couple of thousand to have it professionally   polished and a new shirasaya made for it.

[Bigsgtg]

Ok. Would you guys have a good suggestion for the work? Also how old do you think this is? I'm fascinated by the swords since I was very little. My cousin just wanted money. 

[Bigsgtg]

I am going to purchase all 3 of the others.

[PNSSHOGUN]

These guys are your best bet stateside: https://www.bushidojapaneseswords.com/about-us.html

 

They will also advise you if the blades are actually worth restoring.

[Bigsgtg]

Thank you brother!

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Frank,

Here is a link to a care and cleaning brochure you should read twice:

https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Don't be in a hurry for a new polish; they are expensive and very easily damaged in the hands of someone without experience in handling the sword. The polish doesn't protect the sword; clean off the old cosmoline with some alcohol and a soft cloth and then apply a very light coat of machine oil to the surface (except for the tang) and all will be fine. Take some time to learn a lot more before you start throwing money at your sword. The more you know the happier you'll be with the results when you do have the work done.

If you'd like someone you can ask a dozen questions at once with feel free to call.

Grey  218-726-0395 central time

[Surfson]

Your uncle, or whoever brought it back, was smart enough to cover it in cosmoline or some other form of grease.   If you take a soft cloth with some acetone, you might be able to clean that off pretty easily and you may be surprised to find that the blade is in pretty good shape, having been protected by the grease.