Unidentified Sword

[Unidentified Sword]

Good morning,

I am new to the group and hoped to get some help learning more about a sword my grandfather had brought home from Japan during the war (WWII). I recently came into possession of this blade and know little about it.

I carefully removed the handle this morning hoping to see some writing but didn’t see anything. After some online research, it sounds like the shape and design of the tang can reveal a lot. My grandfather thought it to be roughly 400 years old but I have nothing to support that. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

[Brian]

Condition is very poor. But it's real, old and entirely plausible to be 400 years old. Looks to be an old mumei(unsigned) wakizashi.
Get some oil on it, and wipe gently. Repeat until all the rust is stabilized and black. Don't use anything abrasive and don't try to polish or work on it.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi James,

Here is a care and handling brochure you should read: https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Someone knowledgeable and honest will have to see the sword in hand before you'll be able to learn much more about it.

Grey

[lonely panet]

nakago looks seki mino ---ish

sori ?aybe sue mino??