Hello

As for the Japanese auction, junk is 90%.However, there are a serious sword and a serious seller of 10%. As for ebay, It will be the same.I talk a few about my experience. I bought aoe tsugutada of kamakura and senjyuin kuniyuki of kamakura and tosanokami tadayoshi of keicho era with out paper at once Japanese auction. As for all of them, it was got NBTHK paper. Anyway, Please choose a seller, and own study is important.

Nakamura

Hi Nakamura-san. Totally agree.

If the listing hasn't got lots of good photos, you don't know what you're getting. It's not worth bidding unless you like gambling. Unfortunately that seems to rule out most of the private sellers and bring back swords, cos their average photographic skills are usually nil. I very rarely buy bring back swords on Ebay as a result - the photographic evidence on which to base a judgement is usually not there.

So that means going for listings with lots of good photos - including a series of closeups of the blade - showing the whole of the blade in detail. However, even if the listing has got good photos, it is essential to research the blade in question, as well as considering each photo in detail. Is the mei kosher? Is there anything wrong with the blade? Go over the pictures paying attention to detail. Any flaws? Any hagire? How badly out of polish is it? Are you going to have to spend some money on it and if so, is it worth it? Sword and koshirae can be restored to tip-top condition, but is it worth it and can you afford it? Check feedback as well - any problems?

If you still have questions, any good dealer won't mind running off some extra photos if you need them. I've done it myself, as well as having asked for them. Ask questions. I've had long conversations with a potential buyer before now - I don't mind taking the time cos I want someone to be happy with the sword that they buy. Where necessary, I've also asked questions of sellers.

Finally, look at the returns policy. Some seller offer a 7 day inspection period. I do. That eliminates any remaining risk. You get to look at the sword in your hand. Other say 'all sales are final'.

Any market anywhere is going to present risks. If you haven't got the knowledge, if you haven't got good close-up pics of the blade, or you don't pay attention to the details on a series of good photos, sure, it is going to be a gamble. As Nakamura-san says, your own study is important.

Kevin

I don't completely agree with Jean, although I understand his sentiment.

One of my first swords was from ebay when I was a new newbie and (while no National Treasure) it is great... however I do realize (now I am an older newbie) that it could have been an expensive lesson... although I have had these lessons before and learned from them.

I like ebay..., just bought my new Japanese Keitai on ebay, and that (luckily) did not turn out to be a chinese crapper..... (beleive me chinese crapper japanese keitai's are out there!)... but it is always a risk, however I guess I knew what to look for.

There will always be people hawking junk, whatever the medium, newspapers, cards in the post office window, or internet... and there will always be novices eager to pay for said junk, against all better advice.

So basically... you pays your money - you takes your chance... Caveat Emptor... and if it turns out to be an expensive lesson, suck it up, learn from it and start listening to advice on the NMB... (no matter how criptic it may be!! )

Cheers

How many years ago Sencho?

Hello,

I have followed the discussion and would like to add my two cents:

Important swords can be bought cheapest on eBay!

Hence eBay is highly recommended both for the starting and advanced collector. Much can be learned and the hunt for woodwork blades is a great expirience and even more fun and thrill.

Good luck to all sword hunters,

Herbert

Ah!............. We have a member of the lunatic fringe with us. Oh goody! Just what we needed.........................NOT!

Herbert
put a little more diplomatically If you truly believe there are numerous treasures to to be bought on Ebay good luck to you and enjoy yourself. However recommending it as the best way to buy swords is wrong, and on a board which is attempting to help guide beginners away from the many pitfalls of searching for treasures on Ebay is frankly irresponsible.
regards
Paul

Thanks Paul.... Thats exactly what I meant to say. It just came out a little differently.

Gentlemen, I do not understand your point. What is bad about important swords at little money? Any collector should praise eBay for offering this rare chance to the whole word. eBay is definately the place where a diamond in the rough can be bought from.

Or may I ask you which source you recommend for getting a diamond in the rough for little money other than eBay?

Yours,

Herbert

PS: I do not believe there are treasures to be found on eBay. Infact I am not a man of greta belief but rather prefer to the hard facts that is the treasure which I have unerathed on eBay.

PS: Where is the diplomacy in the above not to say the smallest amount of politeness?

Dear Paul,

I only said it is the best place to buy important swords at the least money. If you can name any other place where important Nihonto can be picked up cheaper please let us all know as we would sure all benefit from it.

Thank you,

Herbert

life is just game, fly a paper plane, there is no end.

I'd say life doesn't take place in an armchair ... atleast mine doesn't.

Herbert.

Actually, my next door neighbour's dog bit me this morning and I think I'm coming down with rabies. I leave it to Paul to answer your question since I am clearly unwell and likely to start frothing at the mouth at any moment.

Herbert,
The role of "cryptic berater" is already taken here on the NMB. Please be so kind as to enlighten us as to what treasure you picked up on eBay. I make no claims that there are NO hidden treasures there to be found..merely that a few thousand people have to buy junk for one good item to appear

Brian