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Showing content with the highest reputation on 09/02/2021 in all areas

  1. Item No. 106 Iron Tsuba 7.42 cm x 7.18 cm x 0.47cm at centre , 0.40 cm at mimi Plain iron Tsuba with sukashi of a Lotus ? Possible 18th cent. Another piece that is much better in the hand than photographed - it has a rich oily patina , dark chocolate brown with a subtly carved profile that is apparent to the touch but almost invisible to the eye . Possible traces of signature . A delight to hold in the hand - funny how sometimes the plainest looking things can deliver a lot more than anticipated. Item No 107 Brass Tsuba 6.68 cm x 6.10 cm x 0.50 cm Subject of waves , unsigned 17th/18th cent. ? Quite a heavy piece in spite of its small size - with a lot of detail carving of the water.
    3 points
  2. Ken, your WAN-GATA (not Lady GAGA) TSUBA is rather rare among the many different TSUBA shapes. As far as I can see, it has a little surface rust, but is not really dirty. Please do not clean it, especially not in the openings! The mythical animal is a rain dragon (AMARYU) which is often seen as decoration on TSUBA. Almost any metal in Japanese arts was patinated for two reasons: To give it a more antique, used look (shabby chic or WABI SABI in Japanese), and the patination provided a little corrosion protection as well. So probably the dark look was intentional. In your case, the inlaid metal could be SHAKUDO or silver, maybe other alloys as well. It is difficult for me to name a school or manufacturing date for your TSUBA which may have some Chinese influence. Many designs and techniques were used by many schools at the end of the EDO period simultaneously. Basically I think the whole KOSHIRAE was made at the same time, but we cannot be sure that this applies to the TSUBA as well. As we have a great specialist in the West, I really suggest that you discuss that with Ford Hallam.
    3 points
  3. Yamashiro kuni Nishijin junin Umetada Myoju Kirimono done by same smith Keicho 17 August
    3 points
  4. Hi, The signature says Jakushi(若芝).
    3 points
  5. Hello.. I am not a knowledgeable Nihonto person.. I did watch this part of a good Nihonto Lecture about what I think Rich is mentioning. Just trying to help.. 6:54 Time Line ... into the video : Added 9/2/21 : 4:45 timeline. Sorry
    3 points
  6. Hi Guys can someone give me more informatiom about this extremely rare Kyu Gunto Koshirae?? I only saw two of them..! in 32 years, Richard Fuller informed me, this is the first pattern Kyu Gunto, manufactured according European Models. My one is fitted with a beautiful TBH "Omi no kami fujiwara Tsuguhira shodai" Katana,with Ubu-ha, healthy well preserved old family treasure No metal seppa, leather made ones....
    2 points
  7. Hey there Dale, The forgers out there will go to any length to fool the buying public. It is very simple to add a few punch marks and place a soft metal filler piece at the Nakago-Ana, to give the illusion of being older and have been mounted on a blade. However, all Tsuba's that I have seen that have been mounted, tend to show a shadow line/discoloration/rub marks, where Seppa's would have come in contact with the Tsuba over the years. This example does not appear to show any such telltale indications. So buyer beware....... Mark
    2 points
  8. Luc in fact I had not noticed, it have file strokes on the teeth, very interesting..t
    2 points
  9. Hi Piers, watch from 6:45, he does talk about Orikaeshi mei for a bit.
    2 points
  10. 祐忠 - Suketada That is not a Gunto.
    2 points
  11. Hi, Yes, Akimaro (昭麿). His familyname is NAGASHIMA (長島), given name is Heijiro (平次郎),
    2 points
  12. Brian, I don't understand what you are asking. Looks like a nice representative of the Type19. If it fits your collecting goals, keep and enjoy! Are you asking about further cleaning?
    2 points
  13. AS OF NOW… there will be NTHK-NPO Shinsa in Chicago in 2022.
    2 points
  14. I had some free time today and was clearing my sword collection. I did a few quick iPhone pictures of a Kanemoto (兼元) katana new to my Japanese sword collection that is suriage (磨上) with an orikaeshi-mei (折返し銘). I have never had a sword with this type of inscription before. I was planning to submit this sword to shinsa but now questioning if I should after reading Facts and Fundamentals of Japanese Swords by Nabua Nakahara, translation by Paul Martin. On page 78 in a section of focused on different types of inscriptions (mei 銘) he states: "Many orkaeshi-mei are actually skillfully tailored fakes. The part that is bent back on itself at the new nakago-jiri is actually another mei that has been attached at that location to give the impression of orikaeshi-mei.". The cutting-edge length of my katana is 27.5 inches (68.8 cm). It was sold to me as a early generation Kanemoto from the late Kotō (古刀) Era. Here the few iPhone photos I have. I would like people’s opinion of my orikaeshi-mei but as always keep it informative and polite.
    1 point
  15. Hello. I could use some help translating this signature. Seems to be more on the nakago than usual. Thank you to anyone that can help! —Matt
    1 point
  16. Can I please get some help with this translation?
    1 point
  17. its a dress version, so its so common and affordable you could either replace it or butcher one for parts. but be warned the wire will be brittle when re wrapping
    1 point
  18. Hello Edward, since you’re in the United States you can avail yourself of the fortune of having two fully qualified polishers: Robert Benson and Jimmy Hayashi both of who are classically trained and thankfully live in the states making shipment easier. I know for a fact that Mr. Benson is kind enough to answer questions via email, you could send him detailed photos of a sword and ask if a polish is warranted and he will give you a honest answer, even it is not to polish. Hope it helps.
    1 point
  19. Sorry, no apologies for raining on anyone's parade here, but just as exciting as receiving a freshly polished sword may be, and it is, the truth is that unless the sword has been polished by an excellent polisher the end results may be in both the long and short term not quite up to par ending in disappointment. And what could be worse is that the recipient may not have the background to properly assess the result or know the difference. After all, ignorance is bliss. In the end the sword owner may find out by receiving a disappointing and poor shinsa result leaving them wondering how that was possible without ever understanding why. Oh, yes, a shiny "new" sword, but what if some of the most critical factors like foundation and finish were not executed quite up to snuff or even incorrectly (for the sword)? Since, according to the Japanese, kantei is the very foundation for nihonto appreciation, wouldn't that make the choice of selecting the right polisher for the sword most critical? Which brings up the question of how do we really know? By simply asking? By looking at actual examples of the polisher's work (traveling to sword shows or participating in club events where you have the opportunity to see polished swords)? Choose wisely, do your homework. Just food for thought.
    1 point
  20. from Markus book: SUKESADA (祐定), 8th gen., Meiji (明治, 1868-1912), Bizen – “Bizen Osafune Sanryūshi Sukesada” (備前長船 濽龍子祐定), “Biyō Osafune-kaji-seitō Yokoyama Gennoshin Sukesada saku” (備陽長船鍛冶正統横山元之進 祐定作, “made by Yokoyama Gennoshin Sukesada, legitimate main line smith of the Bizen Osafune school), “Bishū Osafune-jū Yokoyama Suketada” (備州長船住横山祐忠), “Bizen no Kuni Osafune-jū Yokoyama Suketada” (備前国長船住横山祐忠), real name Yokoyama Gennoshin (横山元之進), son of Yokoyama Sukeharu (祐春), gō Sanryūshi (濽龍子), he studied also under the Bunkyū-era (文久, 1861-1864) Sukekane (祐包) and counted himself as 60th gen. Tomonari (友成), he signed first with Suketada (祐忠) and is considered as the last of the Sukesada smiths, even if his younger brother died two years later than him, Gennoshin Sukesada died in 1930 at the age of 75, gunome-chōji with tight nioiguchi and a sugu-yakidashi, chūjō-saku
    1 point
  21. @PNSSHOGUN I thought you might enjoy this little tidbit about the prescribed location of mons 紋 on Type 97s. Launch documentation for the 1937 introduction of the new Navy Gunto, Post #25
    1 point
  22. Wikipedia says they never resumed production after the August 7th raid. https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/豊川海軍工廠 No cross-reference for this factoid, so take it for what its worth.
    1 point
  23. Just a reminder that the Toyokawa Naval Arsenal suffered significant damage, with great loss of life, from a B-29 bombing attack on August 7th 1945 (just 8 days before the Japanese surrender was announced). Does anyone know if they continued to operate and produce armaments for another 8 days until the war ended? I was under the impression that the arsenal ceased production after the bombing.
    1 point
  24. Digging a little, I'm reminded that the late-war kaigunto usually just had the circled anchor with no mei. The blades in the post war souvenir all have the circled anchor. Post war, the Tenzoshan factory was allowed to remain open and make souvenir swords and they all had this stamp. Would this support Thomas' idea? Would this say the circled anchor was actually the Tenzoshan Factory stamp? We've already learned thanks to @Kiipu that our reference books that show the stylized anchor as the Tenzohsan stamp, were wrong, that in fact it's the Navy Kamakura-Tenzoshan Inspector stamp. Or was the Toyokawa Navy Arsenal still operating after the war and stamping these souvenir blades? Maybe someone knows the post-war history of the arsenal? Seems unlikely, even if open, that a Military Arsenal would be stamping souvenirs made for G.I. tourists. Back to the previous post, though, I found discussions about the evolution of the Mukden stamps revealed by @BANGBANGSAN HERE and @Stegel HERE. Would this practice support the idea that the unadorned anchor of the Toyokawa Navy Arsenal was in fact being used in circles and sakura on varying items? If not, why don't we see the unadorned anchor on a multitude of weapons, swords, etc? Was the Army the only arsenal system that widely stamped their military equipment? My final observation is in looking at the "He" of Jensen and the circled "He" of the Hoten Corp. Maybe this one isn't the same as what we are discussing? Could it just be coincidence that the Hoten Corp used the "He" in their stamp, or could this be an example of the Jensen Arsesnal using variations of their inspector stamps for different factories? I know I'm all over the place with these 3 questions, but just thought I'd post them in hopes of stirring some insight from someone/anyone.
    1 point
  25. Oh, sorry.. 4:45 Timeline into the video. Mr. Shizuka Tokuyuki starts the lecture.
    1 point
  26. If one gets his swords back within a year you are doing very very good. PS It's one of the most exciting days of your life.
    1 point
  27. Pretty much slam-dunk Kanemoto school. The Sanbonsugi pattern is highly regular with sharp peaks, at the same time is looks well made and high-quality. I would put it a generation or two after Magoroku. Likely 1570-1600.
    1 point
  28. Thank you Matt and Thomas! Thomas—yes, I’ll post photos of the sword and horimono tomorrow! Thanks again, gentlemen! —Matt
    1 point
  29. BiShu Osafune ju Yokoyama Sukesada saku 60th generation not sure the next but usually Tomonari Keio 3rd year August (1867)
    1 point
  30. Been 4 months now… I’ve been told ‘soon’ but I have convinced myself to sit back and wait. He will get to them when he gets there.
    1 point
  31. I have 2 wakizashi with Mr Hall in line for polish… my first 2 I’ve ever sent for polish. Extremely excited to see how they turn out.
    1 point
  32. Here you go...scabbard is rusty but I cleaned it...blade is like 90%.
    1 point
  33. Hey Brian, Mind if we get some pictures? That would go a long way towards some recommendations that could be put forward!
    1 point
  34. Dear Rich, Good point, I did not think about examining the end of the nakago. Here is another photo I just happened to take of the nakago on the side with the orikaeshi-mei at a different angle. From the end of the nakago you can see that it was actually folded over and not just inlayed.
    1 point
  35. All good friends. I am considering selling to buy a nihonto from around 1500 C.E. or AD. I am waiting until November because my work and family life is busy...had I learned of this hobby younger, it would be totally different, but now have family and kids that depend on me. Such is life.
    1 point
  36. Yeah, there's at least two issaku koshirae, both fairly famous: ^one of my favorite koshiraes of all time, incredible iron work ^from Darcy's website. "Blade is called Suiryuken due to the fantastic mounts with dragons and waves he made for the blade. The blade is now Juyo Bunkazai" -Darcy Going back to the tsuba, admittedly that mei is looks quite authentic.
    1 point
  37. I think the manji may be done in shakudo. Either way, superb.
    1 point
  38. goes fine if you have all the paperwork correct.
    1 point
  39. When i first seen this i thought, hope he goes for it, happy you got the support you needed to give you reason to roll the dice. And what a roll! Rolled a four and it the hard way!! So enjoyed following this as it kept getting better n better. MHO invest in full restoration. It may take you some time but will pay off in long run. Brian's idea of sending to Ford sensei is spot on. He can recreate missing brass. A decent togi can tell you if the big chip can be removed and shape a new kissaki. Hope to enjoy more of it's journey. 🍀
    1 point
  40. Can anyone give me any info on this? I’m confused on the signature confirmation. New to my collection and I think I’m in over my head. Any info would be appreciated!
    1 point
  41. It is a real bugger (can I say that ?) to see such a price paid for a fake piece because it only encourages the fraudsters to come up with more 'grist for the mill', more fraudulent tsuba to feed a not very discerning public. And experts get deceived as well. Sad really. Roger j
    1 point
  42. Are the menuki any good? Is it missing the fuchi? Is the kashira nice? Even if the sword is a tsunagi, it might be worth a few bucks based on the mounts.
    1 point
  43. "WE" over at "the Military Sword section" definitely would be interested to hear the story.
    1 point
  44. 1 point
  45. Dear Michael, as you may know, there were 10 generations of Kinmichi. Several of the early generations are very highly regarded - the later generations not so much. Each generation has a different mei (some are quite artistic and others are very crude). The famous ones have fairly distinctive Kikumon (16 petal chrysanthemums in "windmill style" "checkerboard center", etc.) and the one you linked is clearly not an attempt to copy one of those famous ones. In addition, only certain generations used the title ("Nihon Kaji Sosho") and only some used "Raijo", so you can use that and other characteristics to narrow it down to later generations. The 10th Gen. received the title in the mid-1800's, so the sword doesn't need to be that old to be legit (therefore the bright "pillows" on mei and the nakago may not necessarily be a concern). I think that many of us cry gemei too easily. By the style of the sword and the mei, the sword is purporting to be a later generation Kinmichi. Those have never been very valuable. The sword looks OK (not great, but OK). There really isn't any reason to fake a sword with this mei (some will say that it still happens, but I don't think it happens as often as they may believe). My first sword was a 4th Gen. Kinmichi (50 years ago), so I've always been interested in this school. The mei on the sword that you linked looks like some of the crude Kikumon and mei placement that I've seen in the past on a few later generation Kinmichi.
    1 point
  46. Michael, Do you mean to delete them from this NMB thread? If so, please reconsider. In researching various smiths and gunto types, I have come across a number of threads where this was done and it's quite frustrating. Sometimes the deleted image was something I specifically needed for the issue at hand, but it's now gone forever. New guys also learn much from these discussions, but without the images, the discussions become almost worthless. They are your property, so I respect your right to do so, and maybe there's a good reason. Sure would hate to loose them though.
    1 point
  47. Thanks to everyone for their kind comments - I will try to keep this thread going with hopefully a few pleasant surprises along the way... Bob S - for my sins , yes, I do own the tsubas in the Hallam videos .Your question has prompted a thought - How would it be if at the end of this thread , ( admittedly some way in the future ), pictures of groups of fittings were posted together for ease of comparison / study? I am thinking of subjects such as Tigers , Shoki and Oni , Iris , birds etc , or maybe grouped by artist / school . Everybody , please let me know what you think and any themes arising... Grev , I think you must be referring to my alter ego , Bob the Terrible , he and I don't really speak much these days.
    1 point
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