Ed

Thanks Malcolm, great link !!

Thank you both for your time and effort, much appreciated. Ed

Looking at the above photos, wasn't sure if they were sufficient to read. Took a few additional shots.

Just wondering if I can get a translation of this poem. Bought it for my daughter and would like to be able to tell her what it says if possible. Thanks, Ed.

Not a tanto, but how about a Daisho (Katana & Wakizashi) in koshirae. $3900 for the pair, that's $1100 under budget. (does not include shipping) http://yakiba.com/Daisho2_Sukesada-Masakiyo.htm

Bruce, I went and looked at that post, but it is from 2008. Probably a little late to be adding to it. If you think there is anyone interested, I can make a new post ?

Thanks for the info guys. Bruce, I was familiar with the Type 3 designation, but haven't heard the terms '44 model, Contingency model, Rinji model, etc. While I have seen a few of these rattan wrapped specimens over the years I have never seen any documented evidence as to who or why they were wrapped this way. Chris, no it is not the same sword as the one in your link. Look closely at the tsuka, it is wrapped differently. The blade in this one is signed Katsumasa and dated Showa Ku Hachi Nen Ku Ni Gatsu. Dated Showa but no Showa Stamp.

The koshirae for this sword is what has always been incorrectly referred to as a "Marine Landing Sword". These late war swords had nothing to do with Marine or Naval landings and in fact were made for Army officers. The Rattan wrap is unusual but not unheard of, this being the first one I have seen in years. I honestly have no idea why they were wrapped this way or by whom. As there is no documented evidence of this being in any way a standard or accepted military wrap, one can only assume that this was done in the field as a means of securing it or by a GI for whatever reason. Any relevant and documented information would be appreciated.

http://yakiba.com/Article_PhotoTips.htm

One more

Moon Tsuba

With the mekugi ana being so far apart, I would agree with Paul. Difficult to determine much more from the photos and condition. Sexy photos, the way you added the dimensions. Very clean and professional looking

Yeah, I don't have the book anymore. I let it go as it only had a very few tsuba in it. If it had had many katchushi examples I would have held onto it.

Congratulations. There is a lesson to be learned here for both new and old. There are big, and small name legitimate pieces from Japan (aren't they all) which do not have papers. Simply coming out of Japan or from a dealer without papers is no guarantee one way or the other of their legitimacy. Of course not all are legitimate, but for people to make such broad, sweeping claims is preposterous. This tsuba is in your face proof. It frustrates me every time I hear someone say with such intransigent authority, "If it is a big name and no papers it is gimei", or "If it came out of Japan and doesn't have papers, it's gimei", "it it is from a dealer and has no papers, it's gimei", or "Big name, no papers = no sale". I have brought many un-papered swords and fittings from Japan, which later went on to receive various levels of papers, from Hozon to Juyo. It has been my experience that there is only one rule for this hobby that is set in stone, and that is "nothing is set in stone".

Bruce, you are welcome to go to my website and the ones from there.

We were recently discussing a tsuba with both orchid and crab depicted together, and how unusual it is too see them paired together. Saw this on Aoi today, a kettle with yep you guessed it crab and orchid together.

Odd one for sure. At least now I don't feel so bad for having looked at it forever trying to figure it out before asking for help. Thanks to all.

Thanks Matt. Meaning ?

Hi all, Just checking back. I appreciate all the input. Now you guys have given me more to ponder, I was thinking the mei (left side) read Tomosuke. Yet, I can find no reference to a maker by that name, and tomonuno is extremely odd. I have seen the Ryūgyokusai 柳玉斎 , but as you stated, this is not the same. Piers, could you be a bit more specific and tell me how 柳玉亭 Reads? Thanks, Ed

...with part of this mei, please. The three kanji on the right have me stumped. I saw a long ago post where the top kanji was "Yanagi" and read ryu (?), but the other two kanji are different so not sure on reading. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have included the entire tsuba for those who may wish to have a look.

2nd that! Go Tirado.

.....for those who like unusual. Not sure of the subject, not sure I want to know! Looks like er, water sports ????? https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/g275029526

Piers, Nope, these came from Texas

Couple of new additions:

Baz, Nice and very similar, even signed "chohan" as mine is. I think yours , like mine depicts ran or orchid opposed to iris.