Information on a wakizashi?

[Soup]

Long story short, my Grandfather who loved history passed this down to me, i have been looking for year on who/where to get solid information on the sword and learn all i can about it because he would have loved to know. He got it from the pile of swords and weapons that the US mandated be turned in at the end of the war. Along with the sword (not sure if they were brought back with it) I have 2 small samurai helmets that seem to be extremely detailed with writing on the head pieces.

 

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

(Its not letting me upload pictures because of file size, is there another way to share the photos?)

[Soup]

Well here is a close up of the handle..

[Soup]

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Brad,

Not much I or anyone else can tell you about your unsigned wakizashi just from pictures; someone knowledgeable and honest will need to see it in hand . Meantime, here is a care and handling brochure you should read.  https://nbthk-ab2.org/sword-characteristics/

Grey

[Soup]

Thanks Grey I'll check that out. I know its in rough shape, with my limited knowledge I didn't want to do more harm then good so every now and then i just slightly oil the blade and wipe it off with a clean dry cloth so it doesn't get worse (blade only). The look of this thing hasn't changed since i remember first asking my dad about it when I was my sons age now.

 

Would you guys know what the markings mean on the hilt?

[Soup]

[Surfson]

That is a Tempo/Tembo tsuba, and those are from hot stamps.  Often they stamp one or another kanji character.  I can't make out this one.  It actually looks like a decent tsuba.