Ganko

Seems there are more pitfalls out there than I had realized.

Real shibui, great piece of work.

Modern replica suitable for iaido.

Sometimes a blade is shortened because it was damaged during use near the habaki, such as a chip or crack. The damage is subsequently removed by moving the habaki up past the damaged area.

It is signed Noshu Ju Ido Hidetoshi saku kore

Wow, A lot of manhours in that one.

I believe that is the kao for the cutting tester.

First looks OK, the second I am not sure. You need to have them in hand. Kinko items are easier, iron is difficult.

Here is an unusual pair. I acquired them many years ago from a Japanese sword that was brought back from Burma. I guess they are probably a leopard or tiger tooth. They appear to have once been a pendant or part of a necklace due to the hole in them. It is one tooth that was sawn in half to mount them as menuki. They are 42 mm OAL.

They are probably cut out with a laser and then hand finished. They don't look too bad. Some nice patterns.

Both very nice tsubas. Regarding the spokes, All the saotome kiku style I have seen (Momoyama and later) have had the spokes made from separate pieces of steel which are inserted between the center and the rim. There are sometimes four spokes which are an integral part of the piece located at the top, bottom, and both sides. It is difficult to see the joints on the inserted spokes as they are tightly fitted and brazed in, you need a 5X loupe to see the joints. There are usually vee shaped notches in the center and rim and the spokes have corresponding vee points.

Ukiyo-e?

It is pretty much a crap shoot in those venues, but your knowledge may improve your odds. Best to suspect there is something wrong until proven otherwise. Having return privileges can reduce the risk. Items coming out of Japan are especially suspect, if it is really a good item they wouldn't have to put it to auction.

Signature is "Bishu Osafune Yoshitsugu", maybe from early 1400's?

There is a similarly marked one in Slough's book on page 33, Ido Hidetoshi

Appears to have been submerged in seawater.

My guess Ten-po 4?

I believe the sword to be a genuine gendaito, but have my doubts as to the originality of the stamp.

It would have been added after the sword was polished, not right.

You cannot make a silk purse from a sows ear. Do yourself a favor and save your money. Better to pay more for something considerably better IMHO.

I agree with Ken's assessment. In my opinion $1500 is way too much for this item unless it had some fantastic mountings to go with it. I would encourage you to gain more knowledge before you part with your money. Don't be in a hurry there are many quality items out there, some can even be found on this message board.

The mountings look legitimate although quite distressed. Blade seems original to the mounts. Signature Minamoto-?-?.

It has little merit except for the kojiri.

I have had these fittings for many years and don't know who this maker is. I read "Seisaburo ?) I don't know the last character. The quality of the work appears excellent. There are three listed in Haynes without too much information. Any inputs would be appreciated.

Amen.