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Nice control over the hamon there.

Hello all, I'm currently studying this object in my conservation postgrad. Apparently it belonged to a friend of one of the department's contacts at our university. I know it's a ceremonial naval dirk, likely made after 1914, but we're wondering what is this fibrous material that can be observed from the exposed end of the hilt? I can't find any examples of any hilt makers using any paper or fabric underneath the ray skin, usually it's glued directly onto the wood, right? So what could this material be? Is this the underside of the ray skin itself that's deteriorated, or something else? Managed to take a decent picture of how it looks under a pocket microscope's magnification (60-120x). Any thoughts? Guesses? Thank you so much in advance for your help!

I always get tripped up by kissaki definitions - some kissaki that seem barely longer than a chu-kissaki will be described as "classic Nanbokucho o-kissaki" while others with kissaki that almost look long enough to be naginata-naoshi will be described as "extended chu-kissaki".

Congrats, Manuel. Both you and Francesco are rocking it! Well done to the strong Italian community too, which has fostered such strong interest and talent development. Very well done and wish you more successes in the future!

Hello, I have this nice Tanto to offer. What makes it unique for me is its thickness and awesome Hamon. It comes with solid silver Habaki, Aikuchi Koshirae (Menuki also solid silver), Shirasaya and NBTHK. Silk white sword bag also included. Nagasa: 21,8cm Total: 40cm Blade weight: 183g Sori: 0 cm This blade is attributed to Ashu Sukeyoshi (阿洲祐芳) by NBTHK. Ashu is another name for Awa province (Today’s Tokushima prefecture). Sukeyoshi was active during the end of the Edo period- early Meiji era (Late 19th century-early 20th century). He first signed Sukeyoshi as his maker’s name and changed it to Sukeyoshi. We assume Yoshikawa Rokuro was his birth name. He was born in Awa province, and he learned sword-forging techniques from Bizen Osafune Sukenaga (備前長船祐永), one of the most famous swordsmiths at the end of the Edo period. After finishing the apprenticeship, Sukeyoshi returned to Awa province and served Hachisuka clan, the head of the entire Awa province. It is said that he forged a sword for Kondo Isami, a famous figure who belonged to Shinsengumi, a military unit formed as guards or Shogun at the end of the Edo period. Considering this fact, we believe the craftsmanship of Sukeyoshi was highly appreciated among Samurai at the end of the Edo period. Asking price 2500$ + shipment. Located in Poland/EU.

Bon travail Manuel

Thanks for sharing. A very nice video that shows the quality so well

Just two days to go. Do we have more bids/bidders?

Well done, Francesco! Sincere congratulations.

All lovely examples of Kinkō workmanship.

Alexander I also did a four volume book series on the A.H.Church collection - the unpublished Koop catalogue in book form with the addition of both views of the guard, which unfortunately the museum's online resource does not have.

Ive had some folks comment and say my inbox is not working. Not sure why? Ive cleared it out so hopefully good now. In the event its not then please feel free to email me at scottsgreenhouse@hotmail.com Thank you

Ive cleared my inbox so hopefully it works now. My email is scottsgreenhouse@hotmail.com I will message you as well.

Still, a very nice wartime blade. The leather saya cover is missing, which is not uncommon on the WW2 bring back swords. I have a couple in similar condition. The leather cover just didn't last, or someone cut it off to see what was underneath ( usually just a simple wooden saya) The cost of a professional polish plus a new habaki and shirasaya is probably more than the blade itself is worth. But it's still an original Japanese Officer's sword from WW2, and it has a value all of it's own for that. So, kind of up to you if it's worth the investment.

Sorry, I cleared my inbox so hopefully it will work. I will email you. My email is scottsgreenhouse@hotmail.com If my measurements are correct Motohaba is aprox 2.858 cm Sakihaba is aprox 1.746 cm

Hello, im not sure why my inbox was not working. Perhaps it was full. I have cleared it now. So hopefully it will work. Alternatively My email is scottsgreenhouse@hotmail.com

Put me in line too…. jt@bienvillestudios.com

Hi Jeramiah. I'm interested in your Tachi. Your DMs appear to be disabled. Can you please tell me the motohaba, sakihaba, kasane and weight? You can contact me at pcgoldstein@earthlink.net Thanks! Rick G.

Sounds like classic sales tactic - selling the emotion and not the product. John C.

A finely crafted, historic katana from the early Edo period of ancient Japan circa 1600s. The blade is mumei (unsigned) and has a long, beautiful sugata (shape) - almost tachi like. The shape of the tip kissaki is Chu Kissaki and a very rare ito suguha hamon in suguha (straight thin line) which are said to be some of the sharpest qualities. Ko-Mokume hada along shinogi and masame hada along the edge. Uchinoke, hakikake, small kinsuji, inazuma, nie, nioi, ashi, and others are also found. These are all considered very attractive in our Japanese sword world. The blade is light, and almost wants to tip upwards, indicating an order age than estimated. I have researched this blade, and believe it to be Yamato school - Shikkake to be particular. No papers no backstory just a good blade with some lovely fittings: bamboo theme futchikashira with beautiful Goto school shishi menuki. Type (Tachi, Katana, Wakizashi, Tanto, Naginata, Other) : Katana Ubu, Suriage or O-Suriage : Ubu Mei : (Mumei, Signature) : Mumei Papered or not and by whom? : No papers Era/Age : Early Edo Shirasaya, Koshirae or Bare Blade? : Koshirae Nagasa/Blade Length : 26 1/2 inches Sori : 1.4 cm Hamachi - Munemachi : 1 1/4 inches Hamon Type : Suguha / Ito Suguha Jihada : Masame mixed with Ko-Mokume Other Hataraki Visible : Uchinoke, hakikake, small kinsuji, inazuma, nie, nioi, ashi, and others are also found. Ko-nie deki along the hamon. Flaws : No major flaws Sword Location : Toronto, Canada Will ship to : Continental USA, Canada or Europe. Payment Methods Accepted : Paypal, Cash Price and Currency : 1400 USD Other Info and Full Description : A percentage of my sale will go towards upkeep of NMB

Hi Bobby, yes one per order

What's the dimensions of the mouth?

Contact Touken-World here info@token.co.jp

Posting links to some of my ebay listings here if anyone is interested. NBTHK Tokubetsu Hozon Dai-sho set of Tsuba motif Kozuka attributed to Goto | eBay NTHK papered matched Dai-sho menuki set - Male and female Phoenix in Shakudo | eBay NTHK High quality Kozuka signed Goto Mitsutoshi - Hanakuidori motif | eBay NTHK High quality Kozuka attributed to Saito Tomiyuki - 1000 views of Mt. Fuji | eBay

Posting a link to my schmeebay listiing here if anyone is interested. Antique Koto Japanese Tanto w. Koshirae - Signed Bizen Kuni ju Osafune Kiyomitsu | eBay