This grip is from a kyu gunto sword. The blade is very light and hand forged with a straight hamon. My questions now are really about the grip but I provide this information for background.
This grip is almost identical to the one shown at
http://silverlakes.homestead.com/KyuGunto.html
It says that it belonged to a a high raking officer so I assume this grip did also. If so, does it affect the value much?
I would like to know the meaning of the markings if anyone can help it would be appreciated. I'm a newbie so bear with my ignorance here,
The one at top I was told indicates it is a Suya made handle but what does the circle and three lines in the next picture indicate?
Also I am wondering what the markings are on the Seppa if anyone has any idea. The blade is not signed by the maker but I wondered if the Seppa might bear the name of the person or family this sword was made for.
Thank you much,
Tony
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