goo

Get the seller to have it tested with the laser spectrum gun the scrap metal buyers use. No harm to the item and you will know the composition of the alloy.

Looks like the iron didn't fuse during the forging process. Slag or scale got trapped and over time separated the layers.

I think you looking at a time investment project. It is unusual and in my experience people seem reluctant to say too much in these situations. You may find your self taking it to sword show to meet people who can see the blade in person. You should probably follow previous advice to get great photos that are clear and show details. Try to keep it from rusting.

Does the address tag imply whoever surrendered it was hoping to get it back one day?

The stamped back ground looks off to me. I don't have a great deal of experience here but the dots are randomly placed and not consistent with other period pieces. And the colors look suspicious. Please correct me if I am wrong.

One way to tell would be do you have first hand knowledge about manufacturing process? Could you make this? The casting process is straight forward or maybe it is not. If the original model is investment cast there will not be any parting lines. There can be random flashing if cracks form in the mold/flask during burnout to remove the wax. Two part sand molds will leave parting lines and porosity and if the pieces are finished in a hurry you will see them. But, if you take the time to go over the piece, those lines can be removed and porosity can be filled or burnished. Fabrication by forging; you start with a solid disc then you have to sculpt the metal by physically cutting away the areas you don't want to reveal the design. This makes me think about the tools. What tools were on the bench and would one have the means to produce the design using those specific tools. But, the grain in forged iron will only be visible if the patina is not present and then only after an acid etch. Long story short, IMHO, one would need to have knowledge about how it was made to say what it is, cast or forged. Or as Dale put it the concrete floor on a cold day will reveal the truth 🫢.

Doggone it am I too late to fan the flames of absurdity? How about powdered metal? it works for jet engine turbines.🤪

I bought the connoisseur of the Japanese sword by Kokan Nagayama to try to identify the hamon on my legit blade with the gimei signature. I did a sketch because the blade is out of polish and the hamon is hard to see. I can't find it in the book. My drawing skills are a little rusty but I drew out what I could see. Is anyone willing to take a guess as to school, style or other thoughts? Thanks

The Norimitsu I am looking for was working during Taishou 1912 - 1926.

The eyes don't look right to me, they don't express anything sinister or emotions.

Does anyone have a picture they could share or know where I can find an example of a mei by Norimitsu Seki who worked during Taishou (1912-1926). I have Internet searched with no results. Thank you

Any ideas on what school or smiths used this created this type of yasurime and hamon?

Glad to hear it is technical issues, I was worried.

Recent comments from another topic are prompting me to start this one. Not being well educated in this subject I inquired of the oracle (Google) and made some study notes. Do you have a favorite yasurime? If you would like to share please tell and include the smith and the school. Thanks

Are these pictures of the blade enough or ok? I'm starting to get cataracts I included a close up of a flaw in the forging I thought it would show the grain. I will come clean it was an eBay purchase 🤪😵‍💫 in gunto fittings. But it looked odd I knew it wasn't a wartime mfg. I wanted something I could practice Iado with and not worry about wrecking a nice polish. But now I am thinking there is a chance this has a bit of history. I researched the date, at that time the Hongan-ji were under siege by Nobunaga in Osaka. Perhaps the original owner had some spiritual/ family history connection to that religion and added the inscription for good luck prior to deployment during WWII. I see 🙄 eyes rolling but anything is possible.