Felipe

Thanks Reinhard. From what I've read, I think you're right about the authenticity of the mei... That would be something else to actually have an original. And you're right about focusing on the blade. I wonder how old it actually is... I took those photos with my 180mm macro lens and had to piece them together. Next time I'll use a different lens, or back away about 15' to get the whole nakago... Thanks for the insight.

Yeah, the habaki looks a bit strange. I'm not sure if its original to the blade. I got this from a big auction house in San Francisco. This was the description... Rare Early 14th-Century Japanese Nihonto 30-1/2" blade, circa early 14th Century, with visible temper line and engraved characters on left side. Tang signed with long signature (Etchu ... Nori Shige). Silver ferrule engraved with characters and wave motifs, pierced oval iron tsuba with figural motifs, 12" rayskin grip with light sienna cord wrap and fine dragon, menuki and engraved kashira. Maroon lacquered wooden saya with single mount. Contained in associated purple and gold brocade bag with braided purple cord wrap and tassels. Overall length: 47" Condition: Very good. Blade fine with only light wear present. Minor polish. Grip with moderate wear to cord wrap. Saya with stable hairline crack and minor wear overall. I am very thankful that you folks have taken your time to look at this for me. I'm having fun collecting and trying to learn about the history of the blades. Its all very fascinating. I have a few other photos of the nice grain of the metal which I'll post in a while. I need to make the files smaller.

Here's more... The Habaki...

Sorry folks. I seem to be having trouble here. http://www.geocities.com/ppavlich1959/nakago1_contrast1.jpg http://www.geocities.com/ppavlich1959/nakago2light2_contrast1.jpg I think after you open each photo you can click down at the bottom of it and it will enlarge to regular size and you can scroll down to see it. My attachments earlier didn't seem to work. Must have been a size issue. Sorry guys. By the way, I increased the contrast in photoshop to make it a bit easier to read the kanji.

Sorry, I didn't seem to upload the photos correctly...

I think the first 3 on the Mei are Etchu no Kuni. The last two could be Norishige. I think I see Ju in the middle... The other photo might be a date. (Hopefully a messy Bumpo). I see Ni and maybe Gatsu... I guess I won't be applying to the U.N. as a translator... Haha... Thanks for your help.