AikiHughes

Thanks again for all of your help and insight! I have been highly impressed by the level of knowledge and skill held by those who have commented on this post. I am truly grateful for this information and very excited to learn more. I've included some photos of the mountings in the hopes if will provide further information on the blade. Granted, they are limited, but I hope they can be useful for examining. I have been reading about gunto mounts and believe that is what I'm seeing, and I wonder: Is it plausible to assume that the blade was remounted for a soldier or is it more likely that these are the original fittings? Additionally, if the mountings are as old as the date indicated on the blade, would they be considered to be in "good" condition? I look forward to learning more about this blade, and again, am so thankful for the selfless help thus far.

Thank you all for your insight. I would obviously welcome any additional information. Your responses were much faster than I had expected, I am most grateful. As this is all the information I have to display I feel I am left with the decision to purchase. If I did so; after researching the information you have provided, it would be my intention to have the blade restored. I am just beginning to understand what an undertaking this is both in artistry and expenditure. I know I have given very little real information on the blade itself but would it be possible and/or appropriate to request the approximate value of the blade in its current condition? If I can provide further anecdotal information please let me know. Thank you again for all the great information you have already provided. Much thanks.

I've found this item in a local antique shop. Acquired by the owner in an estate sale. -Adam

Greetings and well wishes to all, This is my first post on the message board. I hope it is not bad form to make a translation request so soon. I am excited for any help or insight that can be provided on the item in question. Thank you in advance for the time and consideration of those involved. I am considering making my first purchase of what I believe (from my novice perspective) is a traditionally made blade. Before making such a purchase I would like to have a greater assurance of the blades authinticity and an understanding of the kanji inscribed in the tang. Though I have included photos, I will also include a "transcription" of the characters found on the tang; made by a friendly and helpful acquaintance of mine (a seven semester Japanese language student, now a few years out of school), in the hopes that they will help with the translation. The blade is currently in gunto mountings. The blade is sharpened all the way to the collar. It was difficult to se the hamon or it's activity due to rust from fingerprints and the fade of the polish. Also, I failed to mark the dimensions of the blade when I had the chance. If i can include any further information to be helpful please let me know and i will. Again, I thank you in advance. I know this is a difficult request. I have a great deal of respect for those willing to give their time and talents to further the knowledge and education of admirers like myself.