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Here some pictures of a real one for study. Her

- I received this Wakizashi yesterday, I'm very excited to own this piece of history and wanted to take a moment to share it with everyone. I will do my best to update this post with some better blade profile and tang pictures. Hope you all enjoy, and thanks for viewing. Signed: Kunisada Blade style: Shinogi Zukuri Polish: Old full Polish Temper Line: Gunome - Midare temper w/ a deep temper at point. Cutting edge: 20 + 11/16" Width: 1 + 1/4" Thickness: 6mm at notch Length in mountings: 30" Edo Period: Ca. 1660 era made blade. Tsuba: Marugara shape iron sukashi. Fuchi / Kashira: Bird with bamboo motif w/ gold overlay. Saya: wooden w/ lacquered finish. NBTHK Tokubetsu Kicho paper submitted on 7th July 1968 - J. Hoff

Hi, 一名　筑紫槍 Meaning: (This Yari is) also known as Tsukushi-yari/Chikushi-yari. In this case, 一名 means A.K.A.

I know by that wooden floor and notorious purple rug you bought it from komonjo on eBay out of Berkeley California. He knows what he is selling so no lost National Treasures there… the guy passes tons of swords and found the perfect schtick selling an endless pipeline of gimei blades with big names chiseled on them on eBay and not giving much in regards to description. Some advice: in the future not only study the blade but kantei the seller as well..

Dear Gary, you bought a fine Muromachi kabuto, papered by the NKBKHK as koshu tokubetsu, This is not nothing. Takemura sensei was a member of the Shinsa team, and he is familiar with Yoshimichi’s work. I trust his opinion. Yoshimichi is one of the sasaku, one of the 3 best kabuto smiths ever. About different generations, nothing is known. There is however a difference in his work, what does me think of a production by the master himself, and a production of his workshop., but this is only an assumption. Since it is a grandmaster, you should expect a masterpiece. I saw only +-5 of there incredible masterpieces during my career. I can not judge yours on these pictures, but at first glance it is not impossible that it is made by the master himself, or first generation (according some theories.)

Wow The only way is to compare it with a real one.

Second Kanji you mean 与? It is Yo.

Didn't want to start a new thread just for this, but sad to see a very accurate fake of the Wakase Shop's patented drag sayajiri: Being sold on ebay. Fortunately, the China seller calls it a replica. But it's a testament to how good the imitators are getting.

Re Item No. 276 A few extra pics to give a better idea of the texturing etc. Thanks, everyone for your interest !

Thomas, the first great Meiji registration of weapons happened in Jinshin. I read up about the Bukoshi/Mukoshi (part of the Zoheishi Meiji govt Weapons Department), abolished in Meiji 8, 1875, but it was too bureaucratic for my addled brain. The explanation but not the pronunciation can be found in J Wiki here if anyone is interested in digging further: 1869年8月15日（明治2年7月8日）官制大改革により軍務官に代わって軍事防衛を司る機関として兵部省が設置される[2]。翌年の1870年3月3日（明治3年2月2日）兵器の製造・研究に従事する役所として造兵司が置かれた[3]。1872年4月4日（明治5年2月27日）兵部省が廃止され陸軍省および海軍省が設置されると、各省の管下に造兵司が置かれた[4][5]。 陸軍省では1875年（明治8年）2月3日に武庫司・造兵司が廃止され[6]、それぞれ砲兵本廠・砲兵支廠を経て[7]、1879年（明治12年） 10月に東京砲兵工廠・大阪砲兵工廠となった[8]。

Well at least it is centimeters - and not Shaku [尺] - or worse inches! By the way, Google says "In Australia, there is a preference for "centimeter" over "centimetre" (58 to 42)." [at least I am in the majority for once] not that I remember being asked!

I see your weapon was registered during the early years of Meiji 明治. 壬申 = 1872-02-09 to 1873-01-28. 九百六十一番 = No. 961 or 961st. 武庫 = Muko. Maybe this area 武庫郡. 司 = means official? Maybe Piers can figure this one out. I found another matchlock that was registered in the same area as yours. 壬申二百五十九番武庫司 Take care BaZZa and hope this helps with the quest.

I'm away from home until Friday. This is the only image I have aside from the image on the origami

宗与　(it is the simplified version of 與)

☆　八雲正清作 = ☆ Yakumo Masakiyo saku. 昭和十九年六月 = June 1944. Trystan, thanks for the above and below is another one for you to look at. 八雲正清作　昭和二十年三月

I think this kabuto is rather interesting! It bears a big name chiseled in the hachi, and gimei or not, the fact that his later owner feels worth to spend some money in refurbishing it, tells something. Furthermore, we are lucky enough to "know" the craftsmen who was commissioned with the job, so we can tell approximately when it happend. That's quite cool, I guess

If people insist on breaking the rules, then I have NO problem banning them. Or if they are just rude or obnoxious. Take a break for a day. Then see if you feel like being here or not. Sick of people thinking the rules don't apply to them. People sharing their stuff shouldn't have to worry about others targeting them for no real reason.

I think that comments should contribute to the post and in my opinion this doesn't You made a comment on one of my hanpo posts stating it was rubbish and not worth repairing which I thought contributed nothing of worth. You sell some pretty low value stuff but you have never had anyone state this in a reply to your selling posts. I bought one of your amour stands and the quality was dire but it didn't cost much so it's an item I can strip down and remove the sharp edges and improve the finish. I never stated this in a reply to your post as I left it to the potential buyer to make up their own mind This is quite hard to write but after your repeated caustic replies I felt now was a good time to air my views. I can be as harsh as you but I suppose I'll now be on your 'blocked' list I have nothing more to say and will not be drawn into an exchange of correspondence You sell quite a few items on the NMB and I wonder if you make a contribution the NMB although this is non of my business When I sell an item I contribute 5% of the sales to to the NMB and am happy to be a Gold member but that is my free choice

1. THE GUN ITSELF Minna san, I have been very slack in bringing to you my newly acquired TEPPOU, nearly a year after I acquired it. Firstly, I wanted to take good photos; secondly, there is always another straw on my back begging attention; lastly, I’m notoriously slow and slack at the best of times. Just ask those who know me and they will tell you my middle name isn’t ‘Gunnadoo’ for nothing!! This TEPPOU has some interesting features, not the least of which is the exquisite fine and precise filing of the barrel. I have always wondered what the ‘snake eye’ holes were for in the front of the hibasami (‘hammer’). The closeup photo of this area shows the wedge for holding the match cord is still with the gun and in place through the ‘snake eyes’. I have never seen a matchlock (sample about 10) with this wedge still present. Another feature that surprised me was the dark, almost red, lacquered stock. Was it ‘raw’ lacquer I wondered? At first glance from a distance (like, when I first clapped eyes on it in the distant gloom of a room) the stock looked almost black. What also surprised me was the battered look of the stock, almost as if the gun had been thrown onto a pile of weapons after the battle was won. That the gun has had a lot of use is clearly shown by the erosion of the touch hole in the flash pan. The pan cover is present, but broken, again as if the gun was just thrown down. Unusual to find the flash shield is iron, rather than brass, with a ‘T’-piece extension that ‘locks in’ the priming pan cover (top removed for clarity). The flash shield locking pin, however, is brass and of the Kunitomo form. I also thought it a distinguishing feature that the match extinguishing hole – if that’s what it is – was under the stock just behind the barrel retaining band. The stock itself internally seems to be of less than adequate quality and workmanship compared to the other five guns I have. See for example the view of the match extinguishing hole (7 'Snuffing out' hole 1) where the carving for the lock plate recess is quite crude and careless. This can also be seen in the last photo (10 retaining pin slot) showing where a barrel retaining pin slot has been crudely cut. Barrel length is 66.6cm and the bore is 19.9/20.0mm = 12.0 momme. 1 BaZZa's 2021 teppou win 2 RHS lock & stock 3 Flash pan & hammer 4 Priming pan quite worn 5 Muzzle front quarter view 6 buttcap 7 'Snuffing out' hole 1 8 'Snuffing out' hole 2 9 battered stock lacquer detail 10 retaining pin slot

Hello all, I think I recall a post to a thread on the NMB forum (cannot remember which thread it was or if I read it somewhere else) where someone described Ford Hallem “as considered the West’s leading expert on tsuba” (or words to that effect). Now, that is a great honor! I believe if this entire thread is read from beginning to end, it will clearly be seen that many contributors have verified their research by stating references where they located the information. They are not stating opinions, but rather statements backed by (sometimes) painstaking research. It is also my belief that many of those contributors are “university educated” individuals (as I am). Their research methodology was learned over several years of formal education. Now, as stated above, Ford Hallem may have been described “as considered the West’s leading expert on tsuba”. Again, that is a great honor. And congratulations, Ford! But “who is considered the East’s leading expert on tsuba”? Or more specifically “who is considered East Asia’s leading expert on tsuba? And why haven’t we heard from him? Now, Ford, in one of his latest posts to the thread stated a very humorous fact- “I'll end by sharing this, sent to me by Greg Irvine, recently retired Senior curator at the V&A, so a serious scholar, The Samurai, as a class, were dissolved in 1867 The 'printing telegraph', the first fax, was invented in 1843 Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 so There was a 20 year window in which a Samurai could have faxed Abraham Lincoln.” That is indeed very funny! And although the information is from a “serious scholar” I believe it is flawed. That is because there were no direct telegraph lines installed between the United States and Japan until 1901. “The Commercial Pacific Cable Company Founded in 1901, the company provided the first direct telegraph route from America to the Philippines, China, and Japan. Prior to this, messages had to travel across the Atlantic to the Far East via Capetown and the Indian Ocean, or via London to Russia, then across the Russian landline to Vladivostock, then by submarine cable to Japan and the Philippines.” Found at the below website- https://atlantic-cable.com/CableCos/ComPacCable/index.htm Now, in the paragraph stated above there is mention of a “land line”. A “land line” is defined as a telephone. The telephone was not invented until 1876. So, although the “serious scholar” statement is funny, it is incorrect! Anyway- Gentleman, we are not trying to discover a cure for cancer here! Tsuba collecting is extremely educational, interesting, and sometimes exciting. But most of all it is “fun”! I have found that, oftentimes, people take themselves much too seriously. When tsuba collecting stops being fun for me, then that will signal the time for me to “exit” the hobby! This forum is a fine place to ask questions and share ideas and thoughts. In several of the threads a “lively discourse” of varying opinions often takes place. However, I believe there is still much “out there” to be discovered and learned about tsuba. I am reminded of a quote from a famous Zen master in his book- “Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice” by Shunryu Suzuki “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few…. In the beginner’s mind there is no thought, ‘I have attained something.’ All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. We can really learn something.” ~ Shunryu Suzuki Also, I would like to repeat something I previously stated on a post to this thread- “I never underestimate the innate quality of man’s ingenuity. To do so would be a mistake.” If this thread is read in its entirety I am personally convinced (from all the excellent research presented in the thread) that cast iron tusba were produced during the Edo period (even maybe as early as the 1600’s). But that is just my thought on the subject! As for the multitude of other tsuba collectors out there, they will have their own opinions. Thank you all very much! With respect, Dan

Grev, The civil branch of the military were called Gunzoku. They wore military styled uniforms and had their own rank structure. The chokunin rank was equivalent to General officer. I don't know enough about them to say that they worked navy, but this is a navy dress sword. Dress swords weren't fighting blades and were simply one-piece steel with faked hamon. Only the real fighting blades used the mekugi. You can read a bit more on Nick Komiya's post Here. I believe there is a better, more complete discussion elsewhere, but that one should help. Maybe someone who knows the pre-WWII sword knots, like @PNSSHOGUN, can comment on the tassel.

Great pictures and great sword. I would be proud to be the care taker of this blade. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Very nice pictures, Jonathan. Thanks for sharing

Nice photos. I certainly hope this nakago wasn't cleaned.. if it was - yikes. Otherwise, way better photos than the original seller, no doubt. J.

Dale, I think that seller's tape measure is older than a lot of the Tsuba we see on this forum

They keep turning up! Link below to an old Yoshiharu thread, FWIW.

I usually go to sales etc in disguise. Look for the old man in a dirty mac using a walking stick and wearing a red rose in buttonhole who keeps talking to himself. Please say hello if you dare😳😳 …….agree, it’s no fun on our roads and even less fun when you discover you aren’t the only one there, or on the phone, or on the internet, or using a proxy, or has left a book bid…… ……and even less fun when, after buying it, someone says “you did see the hagire didn’t you?” ……see you at Holts soon?🙂🙂🙂 Happy days. All the best. Colin

In my understanding this is an assumption, not a fact.

Star stamped blade in Type 98 mount.No photo of the full tang of the maker side, I don't know if there is ser# . 八雲正清作 昭和十九年六月

@Ford Hallam I wonder if you can be persuaded to once again join this topic and give your views?

I have to chip in here - tsuba did not have to be unbreakable and a hell of a lot were far from it. Copper, Shakudo, Shibuichi, Ivory, Horn, Makie, wood, leather and even stone tsuba were all in use and for a great length of time. Couple this with those swords that did not even have tsuba and surely this should tell you it matters not what a tsuba is made from, because they are not a defensive part of the sword. The argument that cast tsuba would never be used by samurai because they would break under the blow of an opponents blade is a non-argument, else all those other materials would also be "rejects" of true samurai, which would certainly put a big dent in collectable guards! Facts not opinions please.

Jean, Throughout about the 10 months that this thread has appeared on the forum you have been a great and valuable help. Your insights, thoughts and opinions are of excellent value; and they are much appreciated! You always seem to “challenge” me. That is much appreciated, since it forces this “old man” to continue his research. In so doing I am constantly learning. Thank you! Now, in your most recent post you again “challenged” me with your below statement which refers to a quote from my previous post-- “.... there is very little (almost none!) historical evidence written about “cast iron” tsuba possibly being produced in the Edo period..... Dan, do you have a suspicion what that might mean?” A very legitimate and valid question, Jean. Thank you. But I am sending that question back to you Jean, “do you have a suspicion what that might mean?” As you notice I used the term “oral tradition” in my last post. That is defined as- “a community's cultural and historical traditions passed down by word of mouth or example from one generation to another without written instruction.” That definition is found here - https://www.dictionary.com/browse/oral-tradition Now, Jean, I make reference to the following- Below is from this link- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_education_in_Japan “Japan was very unified by the Tokugawa regime (1600–1867); and the Neo-Confucian academy, the Yushima Seidō in Edo was the chief educational institution of the state. Its administrative head was called Daigaku-no-kami as head of the Tokugawa training school for shogunate bureaucrats. When the Tokugawa period began, few common people in Japan could read or write.” And more information was continued on that site, that I did not consider relevant to the issue. Also, I would like to refer you to this “hierarchal” scale on the “Edo” period (notice where “artisans” fall on the lower end of the scale). Which was found at this website- https://factsanddetails.com/Japan/cat16/sub107/item502.html So, my conclusion is that there are very few (or none at all) written records of early Edo period cast iron tsuba casters because those artisans did not know how to read or write (as verified by the above research). If anything, they would have communicated their methods by “oral tradition. That is why I stated “oral tradition” in my last post! Anyway, my friend, the adventure continues!! With respect, Dan

Check Suken (素剣) and Gomabashi/Goma hashi (護摩箸). They both symbolize Acala. Ref. The connoisseur’s book of Japanese Swords

Sword collectors love rules, categories, and lore. "Green Papers" were what was available for years and years. Then SOME were besmirched. That does not make them "worthless." It certainly doesn't mean that they are ALL wrong. Enjoy the sword! P

Hi again Lee. I’m in the UK also….and it isn’t quite as easy here as it is in the USA! They have more dealers, more collectors, more restorers and a hell of a lot more swords! Trouble is, it is becoming more problematical buying swords abroad and then trying to get them into the UK. We are having more than our fair share of issues with Customs/Borderforce. There are also problems shipping swords abroad if you want papers or restoration (polishing etc). All in all it’s getting more and more difficult to ship anything anywhere. Sad but true. The Token Society can give you advise on these topics. The advise given above by Brian is rock solid but as you say, dealers are few and far between here. It would be worth you going to just about any arms fair (Birmingham, London etc) but they aren’t what they used to be either. Another potential pitfall is buying swords from images. An image can conceal all sorts of problems. A strong Hadori polish makes it virtually impossible to see the true hamon……you really can’t see what you are buying. So, where else can you see swords? Well, you have already found a few in scattered auctions. You really don’t have much choice but to travel to handle the swords in person before the sale. I’ve done round trips of 300+ miles to look at something. Sometimes it has saved me from a horrible mistake and sometimes the item is very nice…..but then you have to try to buy it! Good luck there. Forget totally all auction estimates including the London rooms. (Bonhams have swords in their Japanese sales normally). You will quickly realise that everyone else has also found your treasure thus it becomes a matter of who wants it the most and who has the fattest wallet. It can be maddening! So, view auctions in person if possible, go to arms fairs, contact dealers (Liverpool Militaria, JCMilitaria etc), try and establish a network of contacts but above all be patient and study. Learn what different “flaws” look like so you can spot them etc…..get the basics right and build from there. It takes time. Something will turn up. Enjoy the thrill of the chase! Happy hunting. Colin

I thought these documentaries would help some beginners so I've made a list: In love with the Samurai Sword(Polishing Documentary) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YKj3VCnX38 NKH: The Art of Discipline https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYega7KQa2s NHK: The Art of the Japanese Sword https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCYZSqEKmq0 Budo(rare) Documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ6HJf70fzQ Budo History of Japanese Sword https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqqRrDG-NPs A visit to female Japanese Sword Dealer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCEQNzqgpyw Nat Geo. Forging a Katana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE_4zHNcieM Way of the Swordsmith https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqXfvmGU8cs Secret World of the Swordsmiths https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxwWf-MfZVk Sword Making(Portland Art Museum) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WkWNDDrQO4 Nigen Kokuho(with cutting test) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08Vvs1nK-w4 Tsukamaki https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9a6dFGM-ks Modern Smiths https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0glduW4-EPY Katana Kaji(Post WWII Documentary) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7z9pkQnz_0 Japanese Sword as the Soul of the Samurai https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UxL1AxztNg Hattori Masanaga(Tsuba documentary) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ibRhcEevc

This nihonto arrived even more beautiful than I expected! Absolutely stunning piece of history, amazing communication, some of the best packaging I've ever seen, and a beautiful oshigata! Thank you so much for helping me buy my first nihonto!

Thank you, Piers, for your translation of "Tsubaology"! Although, since I am not familiar with the Japanese language is "Tsuba-gaku, Tsuba no Kenkyū." one term or is it an "either or" type choice?? Thanks again! With respect, Dan

Somehow I would like to say Būshū Tsuba. And I agree with above said there is a likelihood to Shōami artist. @Ford Hallam: very nicely done! Cheers from a material science fellow.

Tony, mostly it is the other way round: The purer (in terms of alloying metals) the iron, the softer it will be, and less likely to corrode. Carbon content always enhances the build-up of corrosion.

...and Grev, stop "dicking" around on your own thread This one you posted looks like one of those Karate Kid skeleton suits, but um... "anatomically correct" to represent Johnny's "attitude"

I'm able to sort out just one...

Here are some experimental overall shots of the tanto.

I have a yoroidoshi tanto by (Gassan) Sadahide. https://www.nihonto.com/the-dewa-gassan-school-%E5%87%BA%E7%BE%BD%E6%9C%88%E5%B1%B1%E7%B3%BB/ For further Dewa Gassan info, with Sadahide katana photo (copied below) see link. Quote: The blade shown above is a beautiful katana by Gassan Sadahide (月山貞秀). Sadahide (貞秀) was a student of Gassan Sadayoshi (月山貞吉) and a contemporary of Gassan Sadakazu (月山貞一). His works are much scarcer that those of his contemporary, Sadakazu (貞一). This blade bears the typical characteristics taught to Sadahide (貞秀) by his teacher Gassan Sadayoshi (月山貞吉). His given name was Sugimoto Kônoshin (杉本廣之進) and his original kuni was Dewa (出羽). This sword bears a sayagaki by Tanobe sensei that reads as follows: Sesshu Amasaki Ju Unzen-shi Sadahide in a six-character signature and dated Ansei 2 nen (1856). Sword was custom ordered by Konishi Yukiya. Sadahide was a student of Gassan Sadayoshi. This sword has a magnificent appearance because of its shape and dimensions. It exhibits a thick suguha with kinsuji. The deki is highly dignified. Length is 2 shaku 3 sun 8 bu. Sayagaki signed by Tanzan Hendo (pseudonym or art name of Tanobe Michihiro) in the year of the horse 2014. The actual signature on the sword is Unzenshi Sadahide Tsukuru (雲仙子貞秀作). The ura is dated Ansei Ni Nen Ni Gatsu Kichi Nichi (安政二年二月吉日) (Made on a lucky day in February of 1856). Tame Yukiya Konishi Kun Kitaeru Kore (為雪屋小西君鍛之) (This was forged for Mr. Yukiya Konishi). This sword is an excellent example of the Dewa Gassan school. As noted, the nagasa is 72.2 cm or 28 7/16 inches. It has a shallow tori sori and an extended kissaki. Overall it is a grand sugata as was typical of Sadayoshi (貞吉) and his students. The hamon is a hoso-suguha with a bright nioi guchi that is covered in nie. There are kinsuji and other hataraki within the hamon. The hada is a vibrant mokume and there are areas of what can only be called a form of ayasugi. The nakago is beautifully finished and elegantly signed. It is interesting to know that the person who ordered this blade was a merchant from the Konishi family. Certainly, before the waning of the Samurai era no one except a member of the Samurai class could have owned and carried a blade of this length. The Konishi family was well established as merchants who moved from Kyoto to Osaka around this time (Ansei). The Konishi family business began with pharmaceuticals and expanded into alcohol. The family business still exists today. Some of their early buildings have been preserved as historically significant buildings.

Sadakatsu blades Couple of quick scans - The kogarasu maru style is in full ayasugi hada - made to commemorate 2600 years of Japanese empire, 1940 ( Hozon papers ) The shinogi-zukuri also shows ayasugi particularly at opposite ends - made in july 1942 as a commission for the Sumitomo Banking Corporation ( Tokubetsu Hozon papers ) Both still in original polish ,both with Gassan habaki. Sorry for poor quality.

Another Enomoto Sadayoshi, made towards the end of his long career. I like its clean simple elegant lines. In Soshu tradition with Mitsu-mune

Gassan habaki is this style of "cat scratches" Here's my Sadakatsu - made for the Royal Family.

My contribution, a recent Enomoto Sadayoshi acquisition thats currently in route to Tirado for shirasaya. Unique specs and characteristics, which happen to align with my personal taste, were requested by Iaido/Kendo master Mr. Sekiguchi who originally commissioned the piece to celebrate his 6th Dan back in the 80s. http://www.sword-auction.jp/en/content/as18465-%E5%88%80%EF%BC%9A%E6%98%AD%E5%92%8C%E4%B8%99%E5%AF%85%E7%A7%8B%E6%B9%A7%E6%B0%B4%E5%BF%83%E8%B2%9E%E5%90%89%E4%BD%9C%E7%84%A1%E9%91%91%E6%9F%BB-katanashowa-hinoe-tora-yusuishin-sadayoshi-sakumukansa

Wow David, nice Sadakazu. I add as my contribution, my 1936 Sadakatsu. It ticked many of my boxes, being made by Sadakatsu himself before his son started making and signing swords under the Sadakatsu name, and having the Ayasugi hada, for which he is known. By the way David, is that a Gassan style habaki?

Just to clarify, with Japanese swords..."tourist" means late 1800's when Japan was opened to the West. Lots of trade and exports. In our side of the world, tourist means yesterday in New York. In Japan, early 1900's is considered brand new