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Showing content with the highest reputation on 11/19/2020 in all areas
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Here are some shots of my Murata-to. All the fittings are copper and the saya is canvas wrapped. It is not sharpened which makes sense if it is a practice sword. Also there are no Menuki but ovals of wood to orient the hands on the Tsuka. No. 103 w/ arsenal stamp. Two mekugi ana . Amazingly it's in perfect condition, Jim M.5 points
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Hello all, As I found out with international shipping of my personal items overseas to Thailand, that it is required to supply your SSN# or a Tax I.D.# So further investigation, showed that it is super simple to just obtain a US federal tax I.D.#. Apply online, it's free, takes about 10 minuets, and lasts your life time, zero negative consequences, only positive. So for all you US citizens, there is no reason not to do it, can solve/simplify many things. Mark2 points
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I use this. Make sure not to let the bottle open and close it immediatly because these alcohols catches water from the air.2 points
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It depends on which Ichimonji school and when it was made. I had a Yoshioka Ichimonji which I have used for lectures at our ToKen Society. It had everything: sunagashi, kinsuji, yo and tobiyaki. Even konie, which was specifically mentioned in the Juyo paper. Soshu could be very intense in its sunagashi and kinsuji hataraki, much more than Ichimonji. If you want a lot of hataraki in the hamon, I suggest Ko-Bizen, Hoki, good Fukuoka Ichimonji, Soshu, Soden (eg Chogi, Kencho). Other schools are more subtle and you need a well trained eye to see them and know what you are seeing: Awataguchi, Rai, ko-Aoe. But they are there (usually ko-ashi, small yo). In the images below, the photos illustrating yo, tobiyaki, choji/togari, gunome are from the same Yoshioka. The images with inazuma , sunagashi and uchinoke are from the same Moriie.2 points
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Bear in mind you are only using it to clean off old oil, and thereafter you are oiling again. So I expect as long as you wipe off and it all dissolves...and as long as you oil it after, it shouldn't be a problem. Not idea though, sounds like methylated spirits. Speak to the pharmacies, they must be able to get the real stuff.2 points
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Dave, menuki should be a matching pair, but that doesn't mean that the menuki are identical! See below examples. Also the correct placement when mounted is important. I read somewhere in this forum: - in case of an animal motif, the “heads” should be oriented toward fuchi while the “tails” should be oriented toward kashira; - in case of a plant motif, the “roots” should be oriented toward fuchi while the flowers, leaves or fruits should be oriented toward kashira.2 points
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Bushu ju yamamoto genki toshinaga think the other side is truly forged/folded 15 times2 points
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Today I went to a sales exhibition at the Nihombashi Takashimaya department store of works by Gassan Sadatoshi, and his son Sadanobu, by invitation of Inami Kenichi. I’m not a collector of contemporary swords, but wanted to have a look at their take at Sō-den, my main field of interest. Although the Gassan smiths are famous for their swords with ayasugi-hada, they also excel at the Sōshū style, and some very fine examples were on display / for sale. As a collector of antique swords, I sometimes feel a twinge of jealousy when looking at those absolutely flawless, healthy blades, exactly like the smith intended them. OTOH, they are also kind of “sterile” (for lack of a better expression, and not meant derogatory at all); in any case, art is art, no matter if it was made in the Heian period, or last week. It’s always a pleasure to meet Gassan-sensei, who is very friendly and humble (and constantly in need of a good haircut 😝). The only downside was the lighting, which was a little bright, so I had to twist my neck constantly to get a look at the details in the blades; that’s also the reason why I didn’t take more photos.1 point
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Here is a sword that I have had for decades. There is a dragon carved into the blade and I think it has a haiku or it was suggested a cutting legend engraved on the tang? Any help would be appreciated. There is also some verdigris on the tsuba. Can someone please suggest the best way of removing it without damaging the tsuba. Thank you, Dick1 point
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Thank you guys, I had no idea there were male and female dragon menuki. I've been a nihonto enthusiast for many years and have (obviously) not paid enough attention to menuki. I now see that menuki are a further and fascinating facet of nihonto to study.! I've decided to use my dragon menuki for the tsuka, and will be contacting David McDonald soon for restoration. Again, information very much appreciated. Best regards, Dave M.1 point
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It appears your sword is neither a Murata-tō or an arsenal sword. It is a 練習刀 which translates as "practice sword." The Prince Chichibu practice sword dates to 大正八年八月吉日 [August 1919] and I think yours would date to about this same time frame as well. It is the only one that I am aware other than the one at Ohmura's website. I would suggest starting a thread devoted to it as I am certain others would like to see and learn more about it. I know I would! Thanks again for sharing your sword with us and I hope to see more of it in the future.1 point
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Wow, I hadn't been back to this thread for a long time, and what a story. Happy for you Georg! A Kiyomaro is like finding the Grail! The only bad thing is these kinds of things never happen to me!1 point
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I would also appreciate seeing if there is a stamp higher on the nakago (tang), likely under the metal fittings, you'll have to remove them to see the stamp. Have you read up on this style of gunto? It was a contingency model, often called a "Type 3" or "Rinji seishiki", designed to be cheaper (officers had to pay for their swords) yet more durable to the rigors of combat. The style caught on in the latter part of the war and became quite elaborate. It would be nice to see pics of your rig as well. You can read about them HERE.1 point
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A couple of articles here by Markus Sesko on Kajihei, the famous forger of Kotetsu signatures: https://markussesko.com/2019/12/31/kajihei-鍛冶平/ https://markussesko.com/2014/05/11/on-a-probably-fake-kinzogan-tameshi-mei/1 point
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Argh, that is painful! Hitting the blade with that uchiko ball like it's a hammer, then rubbing the blade both ways with the paper towel. Not sure I can continue to watch.1 point
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Horimono is not the best. But with that sort of inscription and a well cut mei, this is not one I would leave hanging around for decades. This needs a shinsa and/or a decent polish. The mounts are lovely. LOVE the f/k. This needs TLC!1 point
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I don't think machiokuri. The Fumbari Mune-sided is pronounced. But the Nakago actually appears proportionally a tiny bit compact and the Nakagojiri unusually sharp for this smith. But I can be wrong.1 point
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I don't know what to say... This needs papers. To me the signature looks gimei. Very good fuchi-kashira. Tsuba is likely Nagoyamono but very good for the type.1 point
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Along with other Japanese swords. https://www.proxibid.com/Amoskeag-Auction-Company-Inc/Auction-No-128-Session-1/event-catalog/189425 Would be nice if we had someone in area To pay and pick up1 point
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Make that 217! John just fed me a link to one Bill Brannow had sold a while back. It's got a General Officer tassel and up for auction again. Wish I had the fun-money to go for it!!! I've posted it HERE if anyone wants to have a go at it.1 point
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Yes it’s a cutting test done on the 9th August in the first year of Kanbun by Yamano Kauemon Nagahisa. Cut through three bodies. interesting signature on the other side: Nagasone kotetsu nyudo Okisato...very big name.1 point
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The chippy strokes tells us its done most likely by factory workers. It wont be any more than a showato blade.1 point
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The chippy strokes tells us its done most likely by factory workers. It wont be any more than a showato blade.1 point
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For what it's worth, I had to go through this same process with UPS, including the ID #, which was my social. There was a fish and wildlife hold (although the blade was only in shirasaya) and I believe the fee UPS charges is for their handling of the customs process. 09/16/2020 3:52 A.M. Louisville, KY, United States Departed from Facility 09/16/2020 1:12 A.M. Louisville, KY, United States Import Scan Past Event Cleared Customs 09/15/2020 10:42 P.M. - Your package was released by the customs agency. 09/15/2020 2:19 P.M. - Import C.O.D. (ICOD) charges have been paid or billed. 09/15/2020 2:09 P.M. - Import C.O.D. charges are due for this package. Select Pay Now. 09/15/2020 2:09 P.M. - Duties or taxes are due on this package. 09/15/2020 2:56 P.M. - A valid ID # (tax, personal, deferment) required for clearance is missing. We're working to obtain this information. / Brokerage released the package. It will be processed through a clearing agency before final release to UPS. 09/15/2020 11:26 A.M. - A valid ID # (tax, personal, deferment) required for clearance is missing. We're working to obtain this information. 09/15/2020 11:26 A.M. - Your package has been delayed due to a Fish and Wildlife Agency hold. / Brokerage released the package. It will be processed through a clearing agency before final release to UPS. 09/15/2020 11:10 A.M. Louisville, KY, United States Warehouse Scan 09/15/2020 10:30 A.M. Louisville, KY, United States Import Scan 09/12/2020 7:39 P.M. - Your package has been delayed due to a Fish and Wildlife Agency hold. 09/12/2020 12:24 A.M. Louisville, KY, United States Arrived at Facility 09/11/2020 2:41 P.M. Anchorage, AK, United States Departed from Facility 09/11/2020 11:08 A.M. Anchorage, AK, United States Arrived at Facility 09/11/2020 9:50 P.M. Narita, Japan Departed from Facility 09/11/2020 7:59 A.M. - The package is at the clearing agency awaiting final release. 09/11/2020 7:55 P.M. Tokyo, Japan Departed from Facility 09/11/2020 6:39 P.M. Tokyo, Japan Origin Scan1 point
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The video showcase format is a great way of knowing what you're buying - far better than photos in my opinion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSARnI8V-1s&feature=emb_logo If I were you I wouldn't sell it at a loss. You should be patient and recoup what you have invested into it. This is a mighty fine koto sword and I see no reason why you shouldn't factor in the cost of the polish. That Ichimonji has to be one of the best koto sword I've seen offered on NMB, up there with Jean's sales. Hada and hamon, simply superb.1 point
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I did not want to open a new thread and preferred to "refresh" this old one to show my new purchase of a kozuka signed ichimudo Terutatsu 一夢堂英辰 Just to mention that Terukatsu was the adopted son of Terutatsu and both where students of Terumasa. I am quite surprised by the change of style where this kozuka does not show the usual Omori deep carvings but just a light shishiabori.1 point
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Okay, an update, and thankfully it should be the last one. UPS just notified me that the package was officially cleared by USFWS this morning (and I have the paperwork to prove it). @Brian I did find those other threads, thank you for sharing them, and thanks to all who have contributed to this topic over the years. And now hopefully I can add this insight to the mix. The amended invoice I submitted contained the following information re: the samegawa: Handle is wrapped in stingray skin (shagreen). Genus: Dasyatis Species: Dasyatis pastinaca Source: U; (This item is approximately 36 years old.) <-- ['U' is the USFWS code for 'unknown', which is most likely what will apply for shipments like ours because there's no way to know how the animal was obtained.] Country of origin: Japan This is the invoice that the USFWS used to clear the package and the genus/species they noted on the clearance form. It was truthful to the best of my ability. That said, after more research I now believe the actual species may be Dasyatis akajei. Everyone should note that this particular species is currently listed 'near threatened,' which is something to keep an eye on in the future. If that status changes for the worse, it could become impossible to import modern samegawa, and difficult/risky to import antique samegawa. All of this is of course only in reference to the USA. Thanks all for your help.1 point
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Adam, at this point I do not want to speak on any investments from my side. I do not know the final costs myself (yet), I do not know what the value is when fully restored and papered, I'm only following what I'm being recommended to do by experts, so why discuss something like this? I have received help from this forum and several members in particular, by giving feedback to the current status and additional information I got I try to give some of this help back. That is the reason why I keep this thread alive. So even if the numbers Michael quoted are correct, wouldn't that be my problem what I'm investing in a hobby and as long as I'm happy with it, all should be fine? And finally, it is a bit weird if not rude for you to assume I would only do this for financial benefit and that you are sure it will be put on the market. Several times within this thread I made it clear that a) I can afford all of what so far was done plus b) I don't have the financial need to sell this item and I'm looking forward to the day I'll get it back. While my background surely is not the same of a person who dedicated centuries of his life to the study and collecting of Nihonto, I still can appreciate workmanship and give it a warm and good home as long as I am happy and pleased with it.1 point
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Adam - go through the entire thread before posting. This is a rare form Masayuki. It will likely achieve Juyo. His outlay is not €4K as a solid gold habaki is usually 3-4K and Saito san is probably the most expensive polisher in Japan currently.1 point
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Great Work Uwe If this is the sword I think it is we have spent some time looking at it not too long ago. It's interesting and as said your video is excellent but the one thing it did for me was to highlight the difference between seeing an image and seeing a blade in hand. While I appreciate all the detail your images illustrate they dont generate the awe or emotional response the blade did when I held it. Of course this may not be the same blade and I am totally out of step, or maybe just becoming an aging hippy. The image below is me looking at the sword and trying not to cry! (Image also by Uwe)1 point
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Shinto – Ishido school – particularly Korekazu and Tatara Nagayuki Shinshinto – Naotane, Soukan Shinsakuto – Kawachi Kunihira, Yoshihara school - particularly Kubo Yoshihiro Basically, there were relatively few smiths in these periods that were able to produce strong utsuri consistently. You can find utsuri occasionally in the works of other smiths not mentioned above, but being able to produce deliberate utsuri of consistent quality is a whole different matter! Another thing to consider, many tosho of the Shinto period were striving to create new styles (Shinto Tokuden) and weren't so focused on reproducing the work of earlier schools. For example, Tsuda Echizen Sukehiro was a master of the Shinto period, and was fully capable of producing utsuri, but he's not known for it, it's not a kantei point, because you won't find it in his blades with toranba which is what he's most known for. But he also made Yamashiro-den utsushi in suguha, which often have utsuri, sometimes of phenomenal quality. For modern tosho I make special mention of Kawachi Kunihira and Kubo Yoshihiro... A few years back, I was able to view the sword that won Kawachi Kunihira the Masamune-sho, for me it was probably the best Bizen utsushi I’ve seen of the last 100 years, the utsuri was outstanding! As for Kubo Yoshihiro, his Aoe school utsushi have very nice consistent utsuri, even on his suguha tachi, which is a real achievement as this technique doesn’t involve hadaka-yaki. Here are a couple pics (sorry for poor quality, taken on my phone) of Kubo Yoshihiro’s work and a link to a doco featuring him and his deshi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0glduW4-EPY&fbclid=IwAR39oFJLHEcqzMzmNrHz5OTuQFZsAV70gUhsXoPidDQeWnvbPqOZrRret4s1 point
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Georg, we have a "Go Fund Me" campaign to send Babu to charm school. Please keep us up to date with this sword!0 points