help with date translation

[Mark]

I can read Tempo 8 3rd month (march 1837 I think). But I can not make out the meaning of the kanji between "8" and "year", maybe it is a zodiac date? any help appreciated

[k morita]

Hi,

 

The mei says "The 3rd month of Tenpo 8th year(1837),Monkey Year".

 

But,Tenpo 8th year was bird year,not monkey year.

[Mark]

Morita san

 

Thank you

[k morita]

again.

 

I can't see well, is it 甲 or 申　?

:?

[Mark]

Thanks again for the help, I tried to increase the size, I think it is 甲 does it look like that to you?

[k morita]

Hi,

The date on the tang has inconsistency,even if the kanji is 甲 or 申.

[Mark]

thank you. I appreciate the confirmation