I have returned to the mountain, once again, for Japanese sword ID from the gurus

[t1mpani]

All the help is hugely appreciated.

 

[NihontoEd]

I am amazed at how much misinformation is provided in this forum.

Real Japanese sword(Nihonto),older blade in Gunto mounts,the inlaid signature is referred to as "kinpun-mei"

No, that is incorrect.
"Kinpun" mei is an attribution applied(not inlaid) to the nakago in gold (kin) lacquer.
"Kinzogan" mei is an inlay of gold.

If the owner wished to know the correct term, it would be "Ginzogan". Gin = silver, Zogan = inlay(inlaid).
That is, if in fact the mei in question is actually silver, as it appears to be.

*See examples below.
The first is Kinpun, ie; the attribution in applied (painted) on the surface of the nakago.
Second shows both Kinzogan and Ginzogan or gold(top portion) and silver inlay.

I would think a sword polisher would be aware of these terms. Perhaps you can share with us where or with whom you have studied to be a "Togi" or sword polisher ??

 

[kaotikross]

If the owner wished to know the correct term, it would be "Ginzogan". Gin = silver, Zogan = inlay(inlaid).
That is, if in fact the mei in question is actually silver, as it appears to be.

I continually learn in here, though,and thanks for that.

So, then, now we know the mei is a ginzogan..? (hope that's correct), and apparently written in Japanese, and the sword itself with a patina everyone pretty much admits is "on point" ( or a heck of a fake job ) .. can I up my estimate to $400? lol.