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Many swords that have come down to us were never used in combat; those that cost the equivalent of a family's food for a century to make were often kept and passed on as gifts, or handed down from generation to generation.

Why do so many of these lack the pan cover? Argh. I think 3 out of my 4 are missing that. Wish someone made blanks that could be hand fitted and altered.

It reminds me of tsuba created in the Nagato, Choshu area. Bit rusty, but personally, I like it. Any sizes available?

After a recent issue, I am presenting this one with my heart in my mouth I picked this one up from Jauce. It seems to show rice, either after it has been harvested, or just before. Definitely, iron, and highlighted with what looks like gold leaf. Any thoughts on it when it comes to authenticity, origins, etc? This one was not expensive and it looks and feels OK, but I remain very wary of buying from Jauce in general. Thanks in advance…

Hi Libby, this is another tough one. Where did your uncle come back from? I have not seen anything quite like this, but it is within the realms and could indeed be Chinese or Korean. You say it is heavy for its size. What size is it? Does it generally fit in your hand, for example? If it's small, a powder tester is quite possible. Does it have a touch-hole somewhere at the top rear? If it does, can you see light, or blow air through it?

Hi Tom, From those photos it looks generally ok for a teppo. The style is 80% Sakai, Settsu ni Kuni, i.e. Osaka. The barrel definitely looks old, though I am mentally holding on to the possibility that the stock/butt woodwork and brass metalwork may be younger replacements as the muzzle is atypical for Osaka. The large crysanthemum plate on the right of the butt looks as if it was added later, stuck on rather than embedded. The positioning of the foremost mekugi ana is more typical of Sendai. It is in relatively good condition, but will obviously need a new pan cover/lid to start with. You may need to make a new ramrod. Looks like a fun project. When you have some time, please consider removing any mekugi pins and taking out the barrel to see if there is anything inscribed underneath.

From Markus Sesko's Nihotô meikan translation :

Here are some additional images, as not all fit in the original post.

Hello! Quite recently I happened to find what I believe is a genuine teppo at an estate sale. I don't know much else other than that, Japanese weaponry is not my area of expertise, and I could find very little information overall. I created this account and thread here just to figure out some things about the gun itself, like what type it is, where it's from, or the general era it was made in. Also maintenance. I don't know how to do any of that stuff, but goodness knows it needs it. thank you for your help and/or time, -Tom

Iron tsuba, Choshu probably, Peonies, nunome zogan, multi layer plate, 76 x 73 x 4,5 mm. T791284. . . $325,- my full offer: https://www.flickr.com/photos/artur_drogamiecza/albums/ my social media:
 https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/126-artur-drogamiecza/ https://www.facebook.com/artur.drogamiecza.5 https://www.instagram.com/artur.drogamiecza

Iron tsuba, Choshu probably, Peonies, nunome zogan, multi layer plate, 76 x 73 x 4,5 mm. T791284. . . $325,- my full offer: https://www.flickr.com/photos/artur_drogamiecza/albums/ my social media:
 https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/126-artur-drogamiecza/ https://www.facebook.com/artur.drogamiecza.5 https://www.instagram.com/artur.drogamiecza

Okay! Thank you!

Mekugi peg is a disposable item. .like other members I have made a few out of chop sticks and then coloured/waxed them. The redness means nothing imo.

Poor Chinese replica.

Hi Ronald I'm on my phone somy pics are terrible but I dont like thd look of it. Your right about the saya so to start with it's only 1/2 a copper. The tsuka does not look genuine copper (to light). The sarute wore looks overly large. The stamps look backwards and the seller hasn't even given u a shot of the blade number and stamp. Ask for clearer close up pics first. Rob

Hello everyone. I have a chance to buy this sword but before I do I wanted to get your opinion. I’m concerned it may be a replica. The Tsuba looks off to me and the number stamped on the habaki is unusual to me. The blade looks to be signed but unsure if you can make it out with the pictures the seller sent me. Anyways, what are your opinions?

@Brian I'm surprised you haven't weighed in on this one yet Brian. You normally out the Chinese fakes very quickly.

Hey all, a seller has this copper handle NCO for sale, but I’m not sure of its authenticity. I don’t think the saya is correct for it. But I guess that could be a battlefield pickup. What are your thoughts? Is it authentic or a fake?

Hello! What is the price? Thank you.

Just as the topic says - anyone here know of him or examples of his work? I can't find anything online.

GlassBucket, I was trying to find the listing/link for your sword that persists after the sale is complete so people can check it out and comment but I have failed so far. I started this thread to ask about that blade and ultimately decided against it after handling it in person because it was smaller than what I was expecting for my first blade. That’s a personal opinion. From the comments of much wiser people in this thread, it seems it is a fine option for a first sword if it feels right to you. It is a very old blade that probably started off on the smaller side and has seen many polishes, as most Kamakura blades probably have. Be happy with your purchase! Is yours really on its way to you? You made your purchase just after I made mine but I have yet to hear from Aoi that the export permit has been approved. Jeff

I suppose the flaw Shinae is also an indicator. Lines/ripples in a blade where a bent blade was straightened. I can only ever remember seeing this flaw once and that was on a blade in the sales section here many years ago, that was a Koto sword.

I'll be there!

Mekugi is bamboo? Looks kinda red. If it is african rosewood then its wood used in chinese imitations.