Thanks, guys...
And thanks Jose for the input re: the possible answer behind the pommel's "mystery metal." I'm a little apprehensive about polishing it, but I might ask a local jeweler or pawn shop to test it from an inconspicuous place...
Quick side note - when my (late) grandfather's ship put to port in Okinawa in the 1950s, he researched the mei on a katana he had taken possession of as part of the post-war occupation force in Japan during '45-'46. It had ridden around in his Captain's locker for over a decade. He found the family to whom this sword had belonged for 500 years, and proceeded to return it to tis rightful owners. I like to think that good karma has come back time and time again in my own quests for antique arms & armor.
Dimasalang - you missed it, boss! Small house on the Shelter Island side of Pt. Loma... a lot of retired military over there - worth combing on the weekend if you have the time for estate sales.
Anyway, I'll post pics of the other two in a little bit - the barong is sa-
weet! You can see the temper line in the photo above...
