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Hi Everyone, I really appreciate your help with this. I recently purchased a Katana with a signed tang on both sides. This is my very first purchase. It has a very odd handle with a metal scabbard. Any assistance is appreciated. Jon D

越前住 = Echizen-jū 伯耆守藤[原] ... = Hōki no Kami Fuji[wara] ... The smith's name was lost to suriage.

越前住 Etchizen Jū (Living in Etchizen) 伯耆平藤…前? Hōki, Taira/Hira Fuji (+Mae/Zen?) (The pronunciation of the last two or three kanji will depend partly on what was cut off.)

Thanks for the reply, could you point them out to me please so I know what to avoid in the future.

All good. Im not complaining as long as there is no brick in delivery.

Here you go another one. https://ebay.us/m/DMWjJU

Winning bid was 3,001 dollars. John C.

Kitsune? Trickster fox? "Dancing Skunk" thread here: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/51886-old-classic-the-proud-tanuki-tsuba-aka-dancing-skunk-humor/

Thought I would add these combat covers mainly just for the heck of it with a couple of "Been There" examples, and also a late war pig skin cover. The upper and lower covers are obviously well used with the upper showing wear as to one can only imagine to where it was worn during the war. The lower cover is in the worst condition, however it apparently did its job as the saya is in overall great condition. It is the original to the sword cover as it was sewn on the saya when it came into my possession yet it became so fragile I eventually removed it. The middle sword very nice Shinto era sword with what appears to be a very supple pig skin cover and almost a tin toy type buckle. It shows practically no wear and almost has to be a late war lack of traditional material situation.

sold Yes you really got a rough time with that gunto Marc. the polish customs are strict

I saw it on ebay already in 2 resellers stock. It can be tabako clasp? Only one.

Welcome to the forum Logan, early Edo is probably about right. However this sword has numerous red flags and isn't something anyone should strive to own.

Hello Everyone, Would anyone like to give this one a shot? Much appreciated for any assistance. Thanks, Eric P

The menuki are very odd. Perhaps unique. Early on in my collecting, I took two menuki off a wakizashi. They were of gaijin clothed fellows somewhat drunk / passed out under cherry blossoms and street lamps. At the time, I had no idea they were unique. Sold them on eBay. While they were not high art, I wish I had kept the little unique buggers.

Ah yes, the famous fake "Dancing Skunk" tsuba that was mass produced and all over the market in the 0s...[2001-2009]. Milt Ong (RIP) really loved to have fun with these. Where'd you find this crapper? They are now increasingly rare.... like those Samurai Sword Letter Openers from the 1950s <-> 1970s.

Seller is saying early edo according to Japanese sword society.

Michael, I would say go for it. I would if I had the opportunity. I think that $2000.00 for both is a Great Deal. If you have the money it would be foolish to leave one behind. If you don’t have the money and have to choose only one than go for the one that speaks to you. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. MikeR

Do you recognize this tsuba?

Thank you very much! I had downloaded the updated 2024 edition a few months back but hadn’t made time to dig through yet, until this morning! My toddler interrupted so I didn’t get as far as I wanted but tomorrow morning with some coffee, I’m going to keep digging! Those and your Kyushu books have been invaluable to me (and so many others), so thank you!

@Kaigunto230 Michael, did you look in NMB Downloads.....Japanese Naval Swords Part 2, has many examples.

It does not look like a TSUBA either. YOKAI is another name for TANUKI.

https://ebay.us/m/kUW2Cf Go get it tiger

It will sell. I pass on it becouse you bought it from EU to Australia. Buying it back would be too "dumb funny"

I meant yokai or sth like that. Dunno how to descibe motif of that tsuba.