Authentic Tsuba and mounts?

[Ronald Aguirre]

Hey all! First time posting in the group. I was referred here to see if you guy think the Tsuba is authentic or a fake. Thoughts? 

[Matsunoki]

Fake and so is the blade i think.

[Spartancrest]

9 hours ago, Ronald Aguirre said:

Thoughts? 

Ron - first, welcome to the forum 

From your images are we seeing just the one side of the tsuba?

If you check this image you will see two modern "reproductions" showing that they were injection moulded on one side but not the other. So check the other side of the guard. I have to agree with Colin that it looks like yours is almost identical to two of the modern ones. One of the modern ones is trying to sell at an unbelievable price!!

[Ronald Aguirre]

Okay!! Thank you all for your help!! 

[Kurikata]

Just as a matter of comparison, a real one. Please note the very small gold dots inclusions in this shakudo tsuba

[ChrisW]

I would also check the inside of the nakago-ana and see if you can see casting seam lines. Often, the fit and finish on fakes/reproductions is such that they didn't bother to clean up casting seam lines.

[Spartancrest]

As Chris has said it is a good idea to check any openings and the outside edges. Here are a few more points to look out for [there are lots more] 

This example has an excellently done "signature" but it can't be real because the tsuba has so many faults pointing out it is modern and a fake. As a rule I always suspect a signature and don't buy just on that basis - buy for the quality, if the signature turns out to be good so much the better.