Since I`m out of work again I decided to take up a hobby in my spare time. I have always been fascinated with medieval culture and lore as well as anything shiny and sharp. I`m studying sword smithing and and sword lore starting with Japanese culture from pre ww2 by American standards. Their is a friend of mine who has a very old sword in a traditional Japanese militia style that has been separated into pieces. The blade has a traditional curve with a single hole full tang handle. The design of the tang looks very authentic but I have never seen the rounded tip of the blade with this style curve and tang. I am unable to translate the four symbols of the Lo Mei on the tang and I think it may be do to the first symbol representing the province of the swords origin. I have cross referenced a few variations of the Japanese language but still nothing. I am convinced its Japanese and not Chinese but I could be mistaken, one of the symbols is very close to some of the lettering but still not the same.
The blade is grainy from being folded and has an authentic hamon but the blade is acid etched which raises a few questions. The handle is made of what appears to be a gold inlaid and hand poured design with hand carved wood on the inside. Its very sloppy and the grommet on the bottom is actually attached by the wrapping.
It may be possible that its a ww2 factory production but all my research leads my to belive that its a minor province origin blade who`s family name I cant translate. I have also cross referenced the entire alphabet of famous sword makers and their family names in Japanese and I still didn`t find a match.
Any suggestions?
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