Hi everyone
Could anyone please provide any information (Heritage/culture) on my Samurai sword stamped 98201 (see pictures). I am trying to preserve it and its heritage. After some effort I have for the first time removed the handle and discovered an average amount of corrosion (see pictures). How do I successfully clean handle to read Japanese writing? Writing on both sides of handle still visible, but need to removing corrosion should improve visibility. I did try to research information, pre world war 11 or earlier. A sword awarded to a general, it has pictures of a Samurai warrior, Temple, butterfly and various flowers. Gold gilding still remains in areas, but would have been originally heavily accented over the entire blade cover. This would have look spectacle possibly a show piece when brand new. It has two matching totems in blade sheath. I think it is all complete, don't know what it is worth?
Regards
Marion