Kantaro

This is what AI tells me and I see now your "tsukuru" Uwe. 1. 江州住信之造 Romaji: Gōshū jū Nobuyuki tsukuru (or Shin no tsukuru, depending on the reading of 信之) Translation: 江州 (Gōshū): An old provincial name referring to Ōmi Province, which is present-day Shiga Prefecture. 住 (jū): "Residing in" or "resident of" 信之 (Nobuyuki or Shin no): A personal name. The most likely reading is Nobuyuki, a common given name. 造 (tsukuru): "Made" or "crafted by" ✅ Full translation: "Made by Nobuyuki, resident of Gōshū (Ōmi Province)" 2.甲州住信久 Romaji (Romanized): Kōshū jū Nobuhisa 🔍 Breakdown: 甲州 (Kōshū): The old provincial name for Kai Province, which is modern-day Yamanashi Prefecture. 住 (jū): "Residing in" or "resident of" 信久 (Nobuhisa): A male given name 信 (Nobu): "faith" or "trust" 久 (Hisa): "long-lasting" or "eternal" ✅ Full Translation: "Nobuhisa, resident of Kōshū (Kai Province)" This kind of inscription is typical of swordsmiths, tsuba makers, or metal artisans marking their province of residence and personal name. If this appears on a tsuba, blade, or other fitting, it is a classic mei (銘 = maker’s signature). Let me know if you’d like it contextualized in swordsmith or fittings records.

No idea Uwe, but I do know the link I found with "Koshu Jyu Nobuhisa" has exactly the same Mei as my Tsuba. Is that Link not correct or was it translated badly by google? Tsuba : Koshu Jyu Nobuhisa | Japanese Sword Online Museum "江州住信之造" seems to be (Kōshū-jū Nobuyuki zō) and Koshu Jyu Nobuhisa (甲州住信久)?? Are they possebly the same person? Sorry for my ignorance.

So what was that last Kanji?

Koshu Jyu Nobuhisa Thanks Piers! Good Job! Here is the link I found: Tsuba : Koshu Jyu Nobuhisa | Japanese Sword Online Museum

Anyone can translate this Tsuba Mei? Kind regards.

Thanks Alex much appreciated! Any ideas of the value question? What would be a "fair" price estimation in this condition without any koshirae?

Would like your opinion on this Tanto. Blade 27,2 cm / 10.70 Inch Total 36,50 cm / 14.37 Inch Broad 2.54 cm / 1 Inch Is this a Japanese Tanto or not? How old would you estimate it? What would be a fair price estimation in this condition without koshirae? All info is welcome. Kind regards.

No fakes visible on those pictures for me.

Maybe it is because I made the picture in artificial light?...will make one in daylight:

Indeed and I do not think you can have a retention strap and a locking mechanism at the same time or am I wrong?

I do not think it is a Fake Tsuba but the hole seems strange to me and wonder if anyone has seen this before? What would have been the purpose of this hole ? Was it intended to use on a specific sword? Kind regards. Paris.

Interesting Steve and Glen, and new for me.

Excellent news! Thanks!

16_Tsuba Tosho 2 — Owazamono

Hi Hiebert, Indeed, I only encountered ones with a rim too. Tsuba Japanese antique iron Mumei (Shoami 正阿弥) Itomaki sukashi NBTHK kicho paper | eBay

Indeed Arnaud, it is quite a thin Tsuba (2,8 mm). Nakago Ana is 3 cm. But 7 cm is not a large Tsuba... (I made a picture of it next to a Kunihiro Tsuba who is 5,8 mm thick.)

Would you consider my Tsuba as Katchushi (甲冑師) and how old would you estimate it?

Hello, I am looking to find some more info on this Tsuba (7cm/103grams): Looks to have been mounted, maybe more than once. I do not think it is a fake. 1. I see a radiant sun and a sea cucumber, maybe you see something else? 2 .Edo or older? 3. Can we link it to a school or not? Kind regards. Paris.

Mines against swords?

Indeed cast Fake.

What price is he asking?

Thanks Moriyama san.

I use GIMP a free software and am happy with it: