Minasbad, Tenegre?

[kai]

Originally Posted by Ren Ren

I think that two Chinese characters are written here, meaning the name of the owner - 右謝 You Xie ("Right" and "Gratitude").

I asked my son and the characters also seem to "work" in Japanese.

Considering the period this piece seems to hail from, I'd believe it more likely went through Japanese hands before ending up across the pond...

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Yes, agree with Kai, could has been in Japanese hands before. Age I would guess somwhere around WWII.

Regards,
Detlef

[MacCathain]

Originally Posted by kai

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely?

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by MacCathain

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

Like said, I think that this holes are pure decorative, I've seen them mainly by examples from WWII or later.

Regards,
Detlef