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I don't know for sure if it is a fake, and if its not I'm curious about how they would have made this with the technology from 200 years ago. Edit: actually I realize casting works from the Edo period can be quite detailed, so I take that back. It still makes an interesting comparison with the other pieces I have.

That's alright, it was selling pretty cheap so I was thinking why not. To be honest, the average person would find a fanciful design like this more interesting than say a plainly designed but well forged Myochin piece (for example). I don't understand how this could have been made in the Edo period. It seems like too much work to do by hand. Was it poured into a mould or something? Jay

Hello, I brought a dragon themed copper tsuba, sold to me as an Edo piece but I'm having doubts as the dragon seems a bit too perfect. Is it likely for this to have been a machine made modern copy? Regards, Jay

I'm pretty sure this is an army tsuka, but it's not the standard type. Maybe a late war piece? If it helps, the menuki look like they were painted green too. Adding a few more pics: Thanks for the responses! Jay

Thank you Chris!

Thanks Jay. Would shark skin be considered "better" or "worse" than ray skin, or is it just a matter of preference and availability?

Hi all, I need a little help identifying the different types of same on this tsuka. Any input is appreciated! Jay

Thanks guys, will post new pictures when I'm done cleaning it up! I don't have ren wax unfortunately, so a mild soap wash, scraping with bone and choji oil will have to suffice.

Okay, will do that! Thanks for the pointers

Thanks Chris, it's in my dry cabinet now till I find some time to clean it

Interesting, the design is almost identical! Jay

Thank you John

Hi all, I'm looking for opinions on this tsuba. Any input is appreciated! It measures 65mm long and 4mm thick. Jay

I am reasonably sure its the first character that has been obscured, as the space following the remaining character is smooth. It was probably a common functional blade rather than an art blade given the mei was punched... So a common mei like Kanesada does seem likely. Thanks everyone for the input!

A few more pictures.