Mark

check out http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Sword-Wakizashi-Tadatsuna-/391361089819?hash=item5b1ef0511b%3Ag%3A2zwAAOSwGotWkYdX&nma=true&si=iBMlIpEC0lZAwVdGw3qtueCYdag%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 there is a similar (or same) signature and the seller has some of the translation in the description, one side says " Hori do saku" the other side "Awataguchi Ikkanshi Tadatsuna"

As Grey noted same' can be an issue, If shirasaya so can horn parts (trim or mekugi), also note any ivory parts on shirasaya are a big problem, be careful I have had some major issues with Fish and Game recently and they wanted to confiscate a nice gendaito I had mailed

in my experience here in the U.S. if I receive an antique sword, properly described as over 100 years old, I am not charged and duty if it is sent through U.S. Mail (or comes through U.S. Mail here), if it comes UPS, FedEx, or any other shipping method I am charged a duty. In the past I call and inquire about the duty and explain the item is antique and no import tax/duty is due, I am told I can dispute the charge but the cost of disputing is more than the duty. So I usually ask sellers or others to send me items though the Post. I also have discovered that import and export or swords with same' or horn, or any fish or wildlife materials requires a special permit. It is legal (so far) to send and receive these items but they must follow U.S. laws and regulations. It seems the U.S. Government quietly started enforcing these requirements (already on the books) in 2014. So be carful! They wanted to confiscate a gunto mounted sword I mailed out of the U.S.

Sean If you are looking for books check with Grey Doffin, he is well known here and a great guy to deal with. He has a good website and can help you find books if they are not listed. Check this out http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/

think I have 3 star stamped gunto mounted swords. You could have any one for $2000 (US$) plus costs (if inappropriate or hijacking please delete -- I mentioned it for educational purposes and comparison for value)

I would buy it, study it, resell it at a profit and put the funds toward your next better sword. If you polish it properly you will end up with more in it than it is worth. So if you like it and are going to keep it long term polish it, if it is for resale sell it as is.

RE: Ubu vs. suriage.....look at the temper at the machi.... what does it do? if it turns down to the edge it is ubu or retempered, if t appears to continue onto the nakago it may be shortened (still could be ubu or just machiokuri a little)... hard to see in the pictures but it appears to turn down and end at the machi

Howard Bizen Kuni Ju Osafune Kiyomitsu saku

position of the horimono would suggest it was added later, not original to the blade

Steve Thanks! Appreciate the link, It is the maker I found but must be a late work as everything I see site a similar date as in the info you mention. The work is a match, strong nie along/above the hamon.

I have a katana dated meiji 2. I am not sure of the first 2 kanji. I think it says ?? ?? Ju Muneyoshi saku kore I looked up Muneyoshi and found one about 30 years earlier. Alternately I understand Mune can be read a So but I do not find any thing there. Any help or suggestions appreciated

sword about $150 or so, tassel about the same

looks like a "real" Japanese sword. It is antique, at least 100 years old, not sure exact age but 1600's a possibility. It has cosmetic flaws but I do not see anything fatal. Not a modern fake

SoShu Ju Yasuharu

my opinion is: a later copy made 1880-1930

I think Akihiro ... that is a very famous maker

If you are not far from Grey you should contact him. He would be a great mentor and I am sure he would be happy to encourage you and share any information he can

it is a genuine sword. Wakizashi, unsigned. Hard to say age probably 200-400 years old. The kissaki looks like it may have been reshaped, can you see the boshi (temper in the tip)?

unless my computer is having issue I do not see any images.... I tried clicking on what may be a link but after waiting a few minutes for it to load I gave up. can you please post the images here

Steve Thanks!! appreciate the help, it was a bit beyond my ability

sorry I could not attach to original post here it is

I can not make out the inscription, I think maybe to commemorate something. any help appreciated. Thanks for looking sorry system would not allow me to add the file, it is below

Thanks to Steve and all who replied.

Any assistance appreciated. I can see Yamato?? in the top section, and I see some numbers in the 2 smaller columns but I am not sure of the correct translation/meaning Thanks for looking