Ken_66

Hi Jean, On my third post the tsuka is pictured as it should be, tachi style, with the menuki upright. Kind Regards

I have just noticed, & am surprised no-one else has pointed out the tsuka with menuki are in tachi style, ha facing down. Why would this sword maybe???? 1658'ish have what appears very old tsuka in that style?

Hi, I'll take 6 thank you!!!!

Hi, Is it possible for someone to please identify what the symbol is, & the Mei on the Nakago? Many thanks in advance.

Hi, it looks like an Order of the Golden Kite Medal with Bow Rosette, 2nd Class (10 folds). Not sure about the medal below. Per here:- http://imperialjapanmedalsandbadges.com/rosettes.html

A couple more.

Still working on the Mei. As the nakago has two holes, does it look like the mei runs off the end (Suriage)? Also I thought the hamon was a bit odd. In places it seems to go above the shinogi, is this a swordsmith error, or could it be deliberate. I've tried to post some pics, but the blade surface is pretty scratched.

A few more. Ken

Hi, some pics of the Katana fittings as suggested by Geraint. Ken

(By the way, the tsuba images are upside down.) _________________ Geraint Hmmm, it's been a long day. Funny either way up I still can't read them. I'll go and have a look at that reference. Thanks Ken

Hi, would it be possible to please obtain a reading of the Kanji on my Katana? I've been looking at the Kanji pages, but can't figure it out yet. I probably am wishfully hoping for someone to be able to read the markings on the Tsuba, any suggestions to assist with a better image is appreciated. I've added two other pics, with different lighting. Kind Regards Ken

The Nakago pics. And more blade, Ken

Hi, I'm new to NMB, & have aquired a few Katana's & Wakizashi's. I've been reading lot's of books, per the helpful advice of senior members & hope to learn much more here as well. The reason for the topic heading.... I bought a Katana a few years ago from flebay. It had running horses menuki (I love the running horses), it was described as a WWII bring home sword from Papua New Guinea. The blade was covered in axle grease by the Returned Serviceman..... to protect it from rusting Yep, the saya was full of grease. From the pictures, the saya looked like it was covered in leather. I ended up paying a couple of hundred & became the new owner. After receiving the Katana, I spent a day cleaning off the grease with Isopropyl Alcohol, wasn't impressed with the condition of the blade put some choji oil on & put it away. Fast forward to yesterday. Having a clean up & decided to have another look at the Katana. Took off the tsuka, & found mei on both sides (need help & am going to post on the approp. forum), a hard to read mei on the steel tsuba, copper seppa's a plain copper habaki, & nice looking (to me) fuchi/kashira. The saya was covered with a totally had it leather wrap, under which was a layer of what looks like white silk which was lacquered gloss black. I was able to slide out the wooden saya & it came apart revealing ....... grease. The blade has some flaws mostly fatal I guess, but someone 'may' have taken the family sword to war, & I'd like to find out some of the history from experienced NMB members. I'll post pic's to follow. Ken (Yes my real name) PS thanks for the "how to's". PPS Please let me know if I need to fix this post?