Nimm_

I got ya....ty Tensho makes sense.

MAN You guys are awesome! Thank you all for the great info and you really set my mind at ease. I bought that Japanese cultlery oil that the sight recommended ty for that. Bruce about that possible stamp per your inquiry I took a magnifying glass to it and I think you are right it looks like just iregularities in the metal. The numbers I kinda saw on the other side I think was possibly written by a pencil a long time ago. One more question for you guys about that locking mechanism near the tsuba. Is it possible that it was left out intentionally due to the saya not having a way to lock it in? TY so much Guys.

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Hello All, My name is Chris, I have been a been police officer for 27 years and have been in love with Japanese sword craftsmanship since I was a kid. I have wanted a Japanese officers sword for a very long time and have come to a point in my life to have the means to obtain one. I recently found this sword at a Gun show in my town and I had to have it. I have done research over the years but of course know nothing really compared to you guys. I came across this board while doing research on my sword and was very happy to see such helpful people. The sword isnt in great shape the blade has some patina and as far as I can tell it isnt signed although it seems like there are very faint numbers on one side of the tang and VERY feint stamps? on the other. I am pretty sure the saya isnt original to the blade due to it being wooden although the leather covering did seem legit. The tsuba is in very good condition although it is missing its locking mechanism. The tsuka has lost its ito along with menuki and if the sword is indeed genuine I intend to restore it. Thank you so much for your guys time Chris I will upload more photos due to limitation on posts.