PNSSHOGUN

A large number of documents & photos purpotedly owned by the Meiji-Taisho era smith Hayama Enshin were recently listed in Japan. Of considerable interest are the photos of test cutting by Enshin and what appears to be Nakayama Hakudo. The documents would no doubt prove rather enlightening to researchers, though the ambitious prices may halt such endeavors. Details on sword forging: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/d1196774017 Kiyomaro lineage: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/1196757911 Test cutting: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/v1196781936

Have seen a surname placed there before if that helps the matter Piers.

From the way the Mei is cut it could be a Keicho Shinto or Shinto Bizen smith, it's certainly far thicker than what is usually seen on typical Sue Bizen Mei.

Looks rather ambitious, usually the Saya liner markings are done in pencil and in a standard hand. The provided photos of Lt Gen Homma don't show a particularly larger sword, though he was supposedly quite tall. In my collection is an original photo of Lt General Homma showing him holding a sword of usual proportions:

Hi David, yes this is an authentic Shigetsugu Mei and I believe this was listed by a forum member @Grey Doffin

It's a traditional sword quickly adapted for military use via hanger and leather cover. Unfortunately by cleaning the blade and Nakago the owner has removed significant value from the sword.

Shinto Yokoyama Sukesada.

The top looks like the usual start of "備州長船 Bishu Osafune Ju xxx", the lower characters are difficult but may be "祐定 - Sukesada".

Having hands on experience early on is quite valuable, until you see real quality in hand it's all theoretical. Once you know what something of good quality is, saving for it becomes far easier.

The banner image of that 100 million dollar wall hanger inspires complete confidence.

Not something you see everyday, has anyone encountered these iron strips before? The rest of the sword is unfortunately rather unimpressive and includes a florid story about it being traded for clothes by an Aizu Samurai during the Boshin war....

This seller focuses on low end items, you will often see sold items on other sellers pages at inflated prices. https://tokyosword.myshopify.com/

Papered example to compare, may prove to be a good find if the blade matches up.

The tassel above looks very crudely made.

Nice blade and good fittings, a very fine gift.