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As a professional writer with 9 WSJ bestsellers, I can confirm that excerpts for review, critique, or education are perfectly okay.

If there are any copyright issues, they can send them to me via email or pm and I'll remove them. Small excerpts used for educational and non-commercial purposes are hopefully not an issue, and are internationally permitted. But a reminder that an attribution would be proper on posts like that, and I'll edit and add. If it needs to be removed, drop me a message.

Item No. 126 A Tsuba in copper alloy ( sentoku ) with shakudo inlay 8.13 cm x 7.74 cm x 0.36 cm Subject of oak branches , leaves and acorns in the Umetada style by Ford Hallam about 12 years ago. A tribute to the Umetada style with finely worked inlays . This can be seen particularly in the veins of the leaves where they finish in a tapered point ( less than 0.2 of a millimetre wide typically ) - simply a tour de force of inlay work. The blank started to develop ( or reveal ) a few cracks while being forged ( not uncommon with this alloy ) and Ford has chosen to accentuate these with silver instead of trying to hide them . They seem to have no effect on the integrity of the piece itself which rings like a bell when struck.

This is a pretty ancient thread - not sure if I posted this or not Here is a fine old Tachi with what I am convinced is battle damage. If you understand the three "zones" of a sword blade; Attack, Controi and Defense - then you'll understand when I say this is exactly where I would have my sword over my forehead when blocking a cut to my men/hachi. All supposition I know but I believe that this sword took this hard blow, did not fail and thus saved someones life. That person then dutifully put it in storage and preserved it in deference to the fact that it saved myself or my ancestors life and thus it is in such fine condition today... -t

Was inevitable I guess. I hope things are more normal next year. My prayers are that hotels and airlines run specials to get people traveling again. It's the only way I can visit Japan again, but I'd love to attend the DTI next year. Here's holding thumbs some of us can sit around a table and share some sake next year

I had an opportunity to visit my local mentor again last weekend. This is one of the swords he showed me. He recently received it back from Japan where it was papered. I really enjoyed holding this sword and seeing the beauty of it close-up!

Wow, a black ray-skin Army gunto! Can't say I've seen that before! Did it come with the General officer tassel?

I think it is the rear sight. P

Being a tsuba nerd I have 'accumulated' a variety of tsuba related 'stuff' that are not actually tsuba. Included in the pile I have some tsuba pins or badges, these are related to Kendo clubs or tournament medals. I was wondering what other collectors might have come across. The image is of some tsuba based badges I have found over time. [most are not mine]

It is Katakana ト (to)

Hi Geraint, I think the OP included the Nihonto club link just to identify (and provide some info on) the smith. I don't think the "known examples" sword in that maker's entry is relevant to the sword under discussion. (Well that's what I assumed anyway) Cheers, Jon

Lovely! This style of genuine Umetada tsuba is my ultimate Grail item. Never get one I'm sure....but it is still my dream. This tsuba was oh so tempting when he made it.

More likely 1800s, late Edo I’d guess.

Hi Charlie, As you may well know, their auction 'legal rider', which every bidder has to agree to, may cover them for any 'embellishment' or possibly even misrepresentation. Tenmoku Auctions Inc. attempts to catalog every lot correctly and will attempt to point out any defects, but will not be responsible or liable for the correctness of the catalog or other descriptions of the lot. If it was a 17th C sword you were after and you really didn't want this one then there is nothing wrong with contacting them straight away outlying you case and include the above proof of age. Its a pretty major piece of mis advertising on their part but nothing ventured, nothing gained...if you don't try you will never know. Good luck.

Top one looks like 関森俊治作　Seki Mori Toshiharu saku (Toshiharu Mori, from the town of Seki, made this) Bottom one is the hot-stamp of 関 (Seki). WW2 sword.

Some people like the battle damaged gunto. It’s a matter of taste, like everything and collecting.

To my eyes it looks as though the rust was removed in a solution of dilute hydrochloric acid. That's apparently also the 'patina' you can see, a post acid bath dull grey. I hope it's been well and truly neutralised, which is quite difficult on fibrous wrought iron like this, or the corrosion will ramp up pretty soon on the inside and the whole thing will start to crumble in short order. I see the 'restorer' claims to have picked the rust off with a scalpel...I've seen quite a few bits of ancient metalwork done professionally in the V&A and British museum done this way, under a microscope, and the surface left is nothing like this dull grey. Sorry to be the 'bad cop' but this is acid stripping.

looks like a fukure that has opened up

See there you go, I was reading the Mei absolutely incorrectly. I errantly was assuming the name was first, when in fact the name is last......sheeez rookies! I need better/more books, that's the bottom line. Sure wish I could see more Mei's in person, pictures make it tougher to learn. However, seeing blades in person now that I'm in Thailand, it damn near impossible. Mark

2021 Dai Token Ichi Cancelled Sadly, yesterday (Sept. 28th) at a board meeting of the Zentosho Kumiai Directors (All Japan Commercial Sword Dealer's Association) the decision was made to cancel the Dai Token Ichi for this year. The decision was not made lightly as many sword aficionados in Japan and around the world were following this closely with the expectation it would brighten up the mood among collectors of samurai treasures. The venue management was concerned about social distancing, pandemic cluster issues, and negative publicity. It made little sense to compromise the event by trying to regulate crowd movement within the exhibition/sale hall. Sorry for those who planned to attend. Let's hope we can enjoy the event in 2022! Best Robert Hughes Member All Japan Commercial Sword Dealer's Association

surprising,what some officers took with them to the war... thanks for sharing!

Although undated, the large Seki stamp puts the most likely date as 1942 as the massive majority of dated blades with this stamp are '42s. But he stamp is seen less frequently from 1940-1944. The fittings are made to have the leather cover over the wooden saya. These are quite often found on late war kaigunto, so this could point to a '43-'44 date. Posting a few pics for posterity.

Kuni Iri Yoku! From a private collection in Japan - don't believe it has been out of the country till now. It's a Yoshii blade so a bit later than Ichimonji... -t

I think Brian says it best in the what to do when buying a sword or something links. You're 1st 3 or 4 swords should be books. I did not follow that philosophy and wasted thousands of dollars.

The ‘stop-claw’ engages part way.

Additional pictures of a previously reported Mantetsu can be seen at the link below. It is located in Australia and is currently up for sale. It is dated 1940, from the 9th series, and is a commercial version. Lot 596: WW2 Japanese Army officer’s sword signed Kōa Isshin Mantetsu Below is the link to the previous NMB thread. WW2 army officers signed sword

Big reason: profit. They (the auction co. or the original owner) figured more money could be had for an older blade over a WWII blade. It only takes a cursory search on their part to verify this blade is WWII. Of course, their defense will be "We only say what we were told.. etc etc." So you could argue that they're being lazy too! But that's most auction companies these days. Preying on misinformation is very typical.

I’m afraid you’re right about their rider. I am going to call them tomorrow. I’m not necessarily after a 17th century sword, I’m just a casual collector. That being said, this experience does make me want to learn more about Nihonto and possibly becoming a more educated collector. It does make me wonder, however, how they could have been 300 years off. Seems fairly blatant. I will be interested to hear why they listed it as 17th century…

Yes, listing is way off. This is a Kai Gunto, or WW2 IJA naval officers sword. Originally it would have had a leather or canvas cover over the saya.

If they stand by their listing you have clear recourse to return it. This is undeniably produced during WW2 and non-traditionally made as well. Do you have the old listing handy?

It is missing 80% of the seppa.

Writing is not very clear, but it looks like it says that the sword will only catch at this point (in other words, the catch will not keep the sword fully closed).

That is some pretty dramatic damage Bruce! Nice find!

There is no known list. I think Omura put the end of the Kokura around 1940, but I think @Stegel says more like 1942. He’d be the guy to give you a better guess on your date.

One found by @Pippo:

These are one of 2 things: Personal soldier's tanto taken to war as a general purpose knife..maybe good luck thing. OR a souvenir made after the war. Some say they were sold as shrines, others that they were made for tourists. Either way, very typical of the style, and not a Kamikaze dirk.

Neil And Bruce, A great summary of the subject. This thread has been thoroughly enjoyable to read and follow. Thanks to all for the hard investigative work! (You all know who you are)

The signature of the sword is in my opinion (加州) 藤原家次作 - (Kashū) Fujiwara Ietsugu saku. I put the first portion in brackets as it is very faded (possibly made on purpose). You can see similar NBTHK authenticated mei here: https://www.juwelier-strebel.de/asienkunst/Japan/691w-tanto Unfortunately I have packed all my books for upcoming move so I cannot check my references.

Did you buy it, Adam? It's showing as sold.

Hi Jean: I looked up the same entry in the Varshavsky collection that you referenced; originally it was what gave me hope the piece is genuine. Fortunately, as long as the piece pleases the collector, real or fake really only matters when their estate is being auctioned off after their demise, lol. Also have another tsuba that I got from the same seller on JAUCE that I like far better, but it will spark controversy, ridicule, appreciation, or some combination of the 3 on this board, so i am hesitant to present it. If there is some way I can send you the pictures, I would appreciate your opinion of whether I have departed sanity or not (I am unfamiliar with the mechanics on the board to send single person communications). It does have the best patina of any piece I have acquired or held in hand; truly wet like the surface of a glistening black pond when well lit. Interesting how patina looks like under 20x magnification; what looks black is a light absorbing black brown rust, and the look of wetness is from tiny specks of reflective iron/steel peeking through the rust, like nie on a blade. Once again, thank you! John Twineham

But of course! With eBay I expect it to sit for a long time and price it accordingly. NMB should always get the best prices. :-)

Hi All , Sharing a custom sageo that i have received today from Japan . Hand made in Silk to my required width to fit my Tanto saya shito-Dome . Very pleased with the finished item and for those looking for a special or odd sized Sageo i would recommend this store. Very easy to deal with and lots of communication before making and sending. https://kiryudo.co.jp/English.html Some pics of the unwrap , love the attention to detail . Regards Chris NZ

Beautiful rare Shin Shinto long Katana with Name "Mikazuki Maru" made by Etchu no kuni Takagawa kore o tsukuru Naritomo dated Genji gannen hachigatsu kichijitsu (Aug. 1864Jh)

That's bizarre but not surprising. It makes sense that that would happen out of a sense of convenience or simply "that's how it's done". Even if it is probably a run of the mill Muromachi blade, it's still quite pretty with a beautiful tsuba. Well worth the $100 I paid for it.

So, what is there not to like about a Kai Gunto? And what is there not to like if it has a MINATAGOWA JINJA blade? Here is a January, 1943, MASANAO. A colleague recently commented that war time blades normally have a badly cut nakago, this one proves that some are cut pretty nicely.

Here's one on the back of a katana i have Charles L. Grusovnik

Mariusz, Don't be such a cynic :D That one is well documented I believe, and in hand is clearly exactly what they say it is. Romanticism...maybe. But unique too. And a reminder of what these swords were used for. Brian

Hi Uwe,Great to see you use the kabuto terminology sketch from the Watanabe Collection book by Trevor Absolon and David Thatcher! (Without permission).

"Battle damage" and "wartime use" flaws add nothing to a sword or value. This is not a sentimental or emotional field of collecting. Buy the item, not a story or fanciful imagery. A scruffy sword or a damage one is just a lesser sought after item of war. That's my personal opinion, use it or not.

Stand out. Check. Reward. Check. Larger feoff. Check. Now we’re getting the hang of things!