Semi New sword I Could Use some help with.

[cjbow320]

Hello All, About a month ago I got to use much of what I have been learning from this board at an auction. I found this sword and noticed the tsuka appeared to be hand made out of a real dense dark brown wood( I think someone made this and pressed brass pins to hold the tsuka in place). The blade after looking at it has a wavy midare hamon which is very hard to photograph on this camera and an older made blade, and older saya so I felt it was worth a few dollars. I got it very cheaper under 200 dollars. I went home and very slowly drilled the brass pins out to find this blade and I do not know where to start. I have had much sucess with two characters but this looks to have more information. I hope someone will help me. The second is the tsuba appears to be iron with copper and gold gilt( I think this is a newer tsuba) and hope t get feed back on this also. Thank you much, Chris

[cabowen]

Chinese fake.....?

[cjbow320]

Hello, Thank you Chris for the information. The tsuba I do think is fake. The blade has kesho file marks on the tang and is very finished unlike the Chinese I have seen. This blade also has some minor forging flaws that I have seen in traditional blade. i will take some better pictures of the sword and hoipe you change your mind. I think someone took a traditional blade and used parts to make their own. Regards, Chris and thank you again Chris

[cabowen]

The signature says "shorted by Gassan Sadakazu" and "old signature Ichi (monji) Norifusa"...the signature is gimei...

[cjbow320]

Here are a couple better pictures. Thanks, Chris

[cjbow320]

Hello, Thank you very much for your help again Chris. Regards, Chris

[Surfson]

Looks like an authentic Japanese sword to me, with a fake signature and inscription. I'm not sure if the tsuba is genuine or a copy. Either way, you did great for under $200.

[cjbow320]

Hi, Thank you Robert, I will post pictures of the Wakizashi I got at the same sale that I think is also nice. Regards, Chris