A couple of Edo Fittings - Gold or brass?

[tokashikibob]

Gentlemen,

I hope you are all enjoying a splendid weekend! Taking a break from posting/selling common antiques on the bay.

 

I was able to pick up a set of tsuba from I believe the Edo period. One looks to have been in a museum at one time. I looked around the web and saw on Grey's site a similar piece which he stated was inlaid brass on the colorful one. Another Nihonto e-seller had the statement inlaid gold on his. Is there a way to tell for the novice without a acid test?

 

Another question is would the proper labeling be Ko-Kinko? Shoami?

 

I've got two Nihonto that need menuki as part of the restoration process, the recent wak-rescue blade, and this one from a few years back.

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=14622

 

When I'm searching for a set of menuki for either blade can I pick out what I like or do I have to find a certain style or metallurgy to make it correct? In your opinion would I be able to trade either of these tsuba at a show like Chicago for a set of quality menuki(s) needed for the resto blades?

Best Regards,

Bob

[drbvac]

The smaller one "may be gold" wouldn't bet on the large one - the gold is a lot softer than brass if inlaid or overlaid and would tend to scratch very easily. You can even distort it by pushing with a metal object but be careful no scratching