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Just thought I'd ask about the value of original WWII sword bags, I know most are plain or made of lovely embroidered silk (like most sword bags), but what about this one? It is made of three small hi-no-maru sunball flags and two rising sun flags. Inside is lined with plain material and it is still on a WWII good quality bring back sword. Any ideas of historic worth or monetary value? It's not a subject I've ever thought about before but a collector friend saw it recently and said "wow - that is sooo cool!"....and I agree....so I thought I'd ask the board. Regards, George.

New video:

Something not seen very often these days as many were discarded over the years. Not sure if you could put a monetary value on one, but the historical value is significant as occasionally the officers wrote their details on them. Two swords in my small collection still retain original bags, unfortunately one is in tatters but was happy to keep it with the sword. The son of the WWII veteran confirmed it came to his father with the same bag. Others have come with bags that could certainly be original but the post war provenance isn't known. 1: Kai Gunto surrendered in Dutch Borneo 2: Yasumitsu from a US Lt. Colonel

Coing back to the title: tea time tsuba kettle

I nearly feel asleep watching this, its so relaxing. The filing the hammer. The perfect sounds for relaxing

昭和二二年押第一〇六號 – Showa 22 year (1947), Seizure No. 106 I am unsure about the red character. 第一號 – No. 1 件名　銃砲等禁止令違反 – Subject : Violation of the Firearms (and swords) Prohibition Order 被疑者　友常操 – Suspect : Tomotsune Misao I cannot read the far-left line in the picture. This Firearms Prohibition Order was effective from 1946 to 1950.

Let's not forget that the seller can also bid themselves up - as far as I know there is nothing to stop the seller doing this. Also the last second cancellation can be used which is also a big scam. Why don't these people just establish a minimum reserve? Would that mean they would get no bids or have to settle for a more realistic price? I have kept track of several items on Jauce now for uowards of seven years and the same item is still listed for the same stupid price today as it was seven years ago - you would think they would get the message by now!

This late Edo period Kyoto koshirae comprises a coherent suite of Komai-school gold hon-zōgan fittings executed in the classic Unryū cloud-dragon motif. During the late Edo and Meiji periods the Komai school developed the highly refined iron-ground gold inlay technique that would later become internationally recognized in their production of inlaid boxes, cigarette cases, and decorative objects. The fuchi is signed Yoshitaka saku, identifying the maker as Komai Yoshitaka. The accompanying tsuba bears a kinzōgan signature Tadanobu saku, and employs a closely aligned decorative style and gold coloration, suggesting manufacture potentially within the Komai milieu or by an affiliated craftsman. Gold menuki depicting two pairs of mandarin ducks are mounted on the tsuka under black silk ito. The saya is finished in bengara-nuri (iron-oxide red lacquer) applied over a tōmaki rattan spiral wrap. This results in the characteristic helical relief beneath a high-gloss finish associated with Kyoto workmanship of the late Edo–Bakumatsu period. Playing with the phone camera and sharing these attractive mounts just for fun. I have seen a sister Fuchi/Kashira set mounted on a well-known Kiyomaro sword, so take them to be high class examples of the style. Questions / comments welcome.

If it helps I met Mark a couple of weeks ago at an event, this sword and a many of the other listings were on offer.

I picked this tsuba up a while ago. My first one. Its simplicity and 'honesty' appealed to me and that it was mounted at least 2 times. Apart from the mokko gata shape the only other adornment is quite an intricately designed and execution of gold inlay in the filled hitsu-ana. The vertical lines scored in the material (I assume its lead alloy) are reminiscent of stems and the gold representing the flower heads eg iris. Could this embellishment have been added at a later date? Any ideas regarding period and maker/school?

FS: Katana Samurai Sword Nihonto Consigned from an old collection Katana Signed Jiro Taro Naokatsu well made blade with Fudo Horimono, mounted in high quality Koshirae This katana was brought into South Australia by Rod Weathersby who was a major in the Canadian Air Force during the war. USD 2,100 including worldwide shipping and PayPal fee

Sam, here are some pictures of what you’re looking for. If you want any other shots please let me know. Tom

@Nazar, I’m always amazed when people remember what books I’ve got in my reference library Yes, I’ve got what you’re looking for. I only found Kiyonobu in one of the three, and it’s the same one from that old thread. I’ll include all the pages relevant to Kiyonobu below. Something that immediately grabs my attention, is the abrupt change in nakago-jiri on the arsenal setting example. I hope this helps, Best regards, -Sam

I definitely think so. The TSUBA could have some age, maybe end of MUROMACHI or very early EDO, but unfortunately, corrosion is not a good indication of age.

It's in Japan at the moment so don't have it at hand tot take better photos but one of my blades has a couple of kirikomi. It's being polished at the moment but i wanted to them to leave it in as part of its story

This belonged to my father and I was wondering what this translates to

There's something comforting, almost meditative, about observing master artisans doing their work.

Last sword I bought was a few years ago. Double mukansa blade (from province D) that was made for the head of the LDP (also from province D). Blade, habaki, and shirasaya were made in 2002. I admit part of the appeal was the price included a double gold habaki. In hindsight, it looks like I bought a habaki with a sword attached to it.

Brad, to make it easier, better post this in the TRANSLATION section where the experts are. I think I can read TOMOTSUNE.

Hi Brian Sorry for the confusion. I am selling this sword (and other items) on behalf of my Dad who collected Nihonto for about 40 years. John Grasso at Nihonto Australia is assisting me to sell them as well and I am now posting the items on Facebook, this forum and Ebay as I want to sell them. I must have messed up on the price I told him to put on this one and I have contacted him re the re-adjustment. For proof of ownership, here is a pic of the sword with yesterday's South Australian The Advertiser newspaper. Cheers Mark

I’ll try and get photos of those later today or tomorrow and upload them here. I’m really glad that I can help! Tom

If you want pictures of the late Jinsen swords with cloth ito please just let me know. I hope this helps you with your project. Good luck! Tom

Brass tsuba with mirrored ito.

Later copper.

Here’s one more.

Another one.

I have never seen an original WWII bag for sale by itself. The new ones, from Japan, range from $50 to $200. Flags range from $50 to $1,000. I'd say you'd have carte blanche to ask whatever you like on such a unique item.

Hm. I had seen the mark earlier and assumed it was simply a flaw in the steel. But after seeing another one of his with a mark in the same place, I tend to agree with you. There are many blades with punched dots, but up to now, they are always (there's that word!) near the jiri or on the mune. This does seem a unique personal practice of some sort.

Most of the cases I gathered have no additional stamps at all. Only signatures, some long, some short. For the starter I used a couple of search engines to find as many photos of Kiyonobu swords (with nakago clearly visible) as possible. These mostly came from different auctions. I still have to analyze that information and sort pictures, because there will be some duplicates for sure. So far I only selected the signatures that are likely made by the same hand as a signature on the nakago of my sword. The most easily spotted feature of this signature is V-shaped stokes in the 清 "Kiyo" Kanji. Most Kiyonobu signatures do not feature these strokes. Including a well known example of a long signature (with a Tan stamp) in John Slough book. Here are some closer photos of Kanji:

All good, and thanks for the clarification. Seems to be a deal of a deal for someone even if likely gimei

From Japan: https://auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/u1209946393

A finely made Habaki is such a pleasant object, thank you for sharing.

Looks like the inspector stamp was on the blade side opposite the serial number, with the Tokyo and date stamps on the guard, through around 13,000. Then all the stamps moved to the guard. Of course, this is based on a very limited sample size and may not be completely accurate. John C.

Not all clear. John and Jean look correct. Seems to be something like: Dai ichi X (Article 1 X) Showa 32 (1957) Dai 106 "na" Teppo nado (firearm extra, banned/restricted) Tomotsune sama. Possibly the owner. Yes needs an expert to read.

Also a type 94. Is there a connection between the 94's and this sarute? Both just used early on, I suspect. John C.

No. Nothing like that. In fact, I thought for a moment that a digit might have been ground off, however the gap between the blade and latch is only slightly wider than what I would expect. John C.

Ienari, my first Saotome was one! Splendid smith.

Here's another with features similar to my new one: thin plate with blurry hi-relief images, and the distinctive worm-eaten rim (borrowed from a website for educational purpose). Are we to think these were made by the same craftsmen who made Curran's? Seems unlikely, they are so different. Are these older or younger? Copyright Elliott Long

Wow! Very nice set you have added to your collection there! I will have to add the Komai school to my radar for future reference!

Really appreciate (and try to share) your approach, Curran. Moving from great to sublime is hard, not only because great pieces are, well, great, but also because it takes so much focus, discipline, and patience. I believe it is worth it, though. In my experience, one great piece is worth ten good ones, and one magnificent masterwork is worth ten great pieces. Quality over quantity, when both cannot be had. Eagerly looking forward to what you'll acquire, Curran, and really pulling for you.

May he rest in peace

Stephen King sent me this link to a nice Kozuka https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/157520149090

That is very sad. He was a legend when it came to fittings photography and the KTK, and really knew how to capture the soul of tsuba in images. I knew he was battling with his health. This is a sad loss. RIP and condolences to his friends and family.

Hi Laurens, the maker is Munesuke and Kyōhō marks the period!

It is somewhat rare when a Masamune comes to the open market. I certainly enjoy looking when they come up. But as others have said, Aoi Art's Masamune leaves a lot to be desired. In addition to the photos, there are plenty of hints in the listing about its condition. This is not an entirely fair comparison since they have much different asking prices, but compare Aoi's Masamune with the TJ Masamune tanto that @Ray Singer has available for sale: link. The latter has a far superior condition, TJ papers, and Honma and Tanobe sensei sayagaki confirming the attribution. If you are among the elite who can afford to buy a Masamune attributed blade at 42M JPY, you are probably also able to buy the much nicer tanto. This is not intended to be a slight to Aoi either. I think a lot of dealers would love to list a blade attributed to Masamune, regardless of its condition. It is a consignment sale, so Aoi is doing its job by listing what their client is offering. It is obviously working as we are drawing attention to the listing. Even if it does not sell at auction, I cannot imagine this blade sitting unsold for years. Someone will buy the attribution (and overlook the condition).

Hi Hector, I look forward to your new book coming on line. As for my 1989 book...yes, many of the swords are in need of attention...probably much worse now after 35 more years. Regards, George.

the bullshits back with jauce. looks like hes recjected the very nice offer of 500,000 yen and relisted it ★A rare masterpiece! Iron Tsuba with a unique hammered surface and a pattern of proverbs and characters, unsigned, Mito, important sword fittings grade, double-hitsu-ana (holes), ninja tsuba, uchikaeshimi (mimi) pattern, paulownia wood box [Tsuba 15] | Jauce Shopping Service | Yahoo Japan Auctions. eBay Japan

Hi George, Sorry for the late response - I only sign in around every three days or so to see what's going on. 😁 The seller didn't indicate the number of pages and I'm still waiting to receive it. If it's too delicate to scan without breaking the spine, then I'm planning to very carefully hold it open and photograph each page in turn - if that is an acceptable alternative to everyone? Incidentally, on the same day I was lucky enough to get hold of a nice copy of your own 1989 title 'Japanese Swords and Fittings in the Western Australian Museum'! An excellent read but heartbreaking to see so many amazing blades out of polish. Best, Hector

Though we meet each year, the number of nights we spend together on Tanabata is so few, by Fujiwara - no Teika https://www.flickr.com/photos/artur_drogamiecza/albums/72177720330625675

Hi, No one seems to have mentioned that the NBTHK Hozon attributes the tsuba as mumei: Mito best regards, John