Les Brown

First, thanks to everyone that has provided very helpful comments. That said, please consider the following questions and thank you in advance for your comments. 1) Who could authenticate this sword and provide a minimum value as a "gimei"? If you cannot recommend an individual due to the policies of the organization, could someone provide a list of qualified authenticators? 2) This may require speculation, but if the sword is gimei, when was the sword probably made? It has been in my family for over 70 years, so was it made 100 years ago or during the era of Tadahiro? Whatever i can learn about gimei will be helpful. I assume a sword maker would not sell a sword that he made directly to a buyer with a false signature. How did these transactions come about? 3) Due to the sword's sentimental value i may still have the sword polished and restored. I think i will make the decision based in what i learn about gimei and the estimated age of the sword. I understand it is policy not to recommend a polisher, but, as with someone that could authenticate, could a list of qualified polishers be provided that are located within the continental U. S.? Again, thanks for your comments and patience with me. I know that for most of you this has been like a phd math professor explaining calculus to a first grader. Les

Thanks for your responses. I do live in Mobile, AL

Can anyone recommend a respected restorer to evaluate and possibly restore two swords. One of the swords has been identified as being from the Hizen school and the maker as Tadahiro. Please call (251) 591-7306 or e-mail to brownleslie48@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your consideration. Les