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Wouter

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About Wouter

  • Birthday May 2

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    Czech Republic
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    Things of beauty and interest

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    Wouter Kindt

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  1. Thank you for starting this interesting discussion. It couldn't have come at a more appropriate time, since it is a question I currently need to answer. I'm totally aligned with the difference between restoration and preservation, however in my particular case, restoration seems to be the only option, but... Let me try to explain: I purchased a wakizashi which came with beautiful attire. The wakizashi is on a waiting list for polishing and I started to look into what could be done with the tosogu. The wakizashi had a very hard life and has been damaged, especially the tsuba, or rather the mon, Since some of the mon are damaged, or are missing, the tsuba has lost a lot of its value, So, the only option is restoration, by replacing the mon, However, on close inspection it would be clear that the mon had been replaced by 'modern' copies. So, what should one do in this case? Preserving, knowing that the value has been decreased a lot because of the missing and damaged mon. Or, restoration, knowing that the tsuba will never pass shinsa because of the restoration... I sincerely hope I haven't hijacked this topic with personal struggles. I do feel it puts another light on the whole discussion started by Steve. Cheers, Wouter PS For the sake of the discussion, let's -for now- not include the abilities of the restorer. I am perfectly aware that artists like Ford Hallam would do an amazing job, but I do think the question remains: if mon are replaced, what is the effect on the historic and monetary value?
  2. Hi all, After endlessly browsing through the net, I finally found an example of the little marking I found on the mune, on a different blade. Of all places, I found it in this topic. I am sorry, I didn't know how to 'quote inside a quote', so I hope this will lead you to the correct post: zentsuji2, on 04 Mar 2014 - 10:35 AM, said: and the Google link: http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/5999-arsenal-stamps/page-8 The small mark/stamp(?) is exactly the same, so there is definitely something there. However, it is not in the same spot on the mune, but between the arsenal stamps. Also the smiths are different: Kanetome vs Kanemoto. And, mine isn't star stamped, but a good candidate to be gendaito. It would be interesting to know the date of Ian's blade... Looking forward to your input, Best regards, Wouter
  3. Hi Klaus, I'm only a beginner, but I did notice the Seki Showa stamp above the mei. So indeed a high price for a -most probably- "machine" made blade. Wouter
  4. Thank you for your feedback, Guido. Would that then also count for tosogu, I wonder? Cheers, Wouter
  5. Thank you all for your very valid feedback. Am I right in concluding that the question here is not wether the papers are real, but what value we attribute to certain papers / organisations? As Brian so eloquently put: NBTHK is the de-facto, but the other organizations owe our respect. Doesn't it all come back to the same questions: is it real, if so: from whom and when? Isn't this what this whole forum is about? And seeing the growing number of posts and members, it is clear that knowing the answers is a steep, but very satisfying path to wander. Maybe, but, what counts for me, rather than (re-)submitting for NBTHK, I adore and admire these tsuba. I cherish them, will guard them and pass them on when the time comes. Wouter
  6. Hi all, There has been written a lot already about this topic. But, having the specialists here at hand and always happy to learn more, I decided to post a new topic, hoping not to inconvenience you too much. The NBTHK origami looks legit to me, but is on green paper, hence old. Not so sure about the NTHK origami. it seems not to be conform with examples I found online. Both tsuba feel great in hand. Looking forward to your feedback, Best regards Wouter
  7. Reposted in the Military section of this forum, since that is where this katana belongs. Wouter
  8. I humbly bow down in the shadow of your immense wisdom. The Habaki was stuck, I gently removed it today. Adding the pictures here for completeness. No signs of any stamps anywhere. Wouter
  9. Thank you all for the excellent feedback. So Showato from Seki. Taking a risk here, since I should rather post this question in the military section, but since I see the same contributors popping-up here: One of the reasons why I bought the sword was because of the estimated age: 1920 - 40. Before the war, so wouldn't this in theory exclude the mass-produced Showato? But, the tang does look not right and thinner than it should be. Leading to the conclusion someone was trying to mask it's mass produced (arsenal stamps etc.) Do I regret this buy: not at all. Excellent Iaido blade with some history and I have been educated and hope this topic will also benefit others. Have a great weekend, Wouter
  10. Thank you, Hamfish, Fuuten and Paulb for your valuable feedback. Lesson learned: check. Not that it will make a huge difference, the kissaki looks odd due to my poor photographic skills, in reality it is clearly defined. But, for 150 Euro, I wasn't looking for a miracle find. Wouter
  11. I did it again and sinned against the PPP-rule for purchasing (Perfect-Polished-Papered). However, this katana was so cheap and since I am studying (not sinning against that forum rule), it looked promising to me, so I couldn't let it pass me. Besides, I practice Iaido and in some far future will be using a real blade. Since this one fits me, I won't send it for a polish, but would be using it. I purchased it from an M.D. in the Czech Republic, he bought it 8 years ago in an antique shop near New York City. Here following is the info he got with the katana, I’m recopying it here and would like to get your feedback (is the description correct; your opinion; has the tang been reshapen; (very slight chance, but:) has anyone seen this katana before, etc) §Blade: age - early 20th century. (1920-1940) o Total length: 83, 5 cm, blade: 63 cm. o Original polish, healthy massive blade, shinogi zukuri, suitable for chopping, cutting, without a signature/date on the tang, legible Guno Hamon Choji. §Tsuka: age - early 20th cent., Or older. Dimensions: 23,5 x 4 x 2,3 cm. Material: wood, white stingray, the original braid - wear and tear, paired Fuchi and Kashira of copper alloy Engraving, phoenix and flowers, paired Menuki: flowers. §Tsuba: age – possibly 19th century, or older. Dimensions: 5 x 6,5 x 0,5 cm. Iron, carved and engraved Kakugata sukashi tsuba. §2x Seppa and Habaki. §Saya: lackered wood, used. §100% of Japanese origin. Looking forward to your feedback Wouter
  12. Hi Bruce, Thank you for the input. It might. I was wondering why you would think of a cherry blossom? Have you seen a similar stamp elsewhere? At first I really thought it was rust, or damage. But, having seen the exact same 'thing' on another blade from Kanetomo (unfortunately I didn't save the picture) and on the exact same location (mune between 2 inspection stamps) and from the same year (Showa 17) I just can't accept it to be mere coincidence... I'll keep looking... Wouter .
  13. I should also add I have visited a toshigi and after close inspection he is 95% sure the sword is a gendaito (= traditionally made - tamehagane/folded/water tempered). The resting doubt will be confirmed once the blade is polished. W
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