Ed

....at what this mei might read ?? I think it says Fumei :-)

Ouch ! This a great thread for newbies to read. People sometimes don't like being told to study before they buy. Sadly, this is why !!!! No offense meant to the OP.

Barry, let's hope they never do. That could be quite embarrassing. James, Sold. Looking forward to seeing everyone. Perhaps we can meet up Saturday evening for a NMB group photo and a drink.

Let's see a show of hands. Which of you members will be attending the show next weekend ? I'll be there. PS: Can't bring it all, so if you have seen something on my web site you are interested in and would like to see it in hand, let me know.

Hmm, with no significant difference in quality, I don't think one would necessarily be a more desirable piece than the other. As others have already said, it sounds like the choice comes down to the one that appeals to you the most.

10-4. When you gonna come to Tampa ??

I like that style of tsuba, but don't own one. Never seemed to find the "right" one. Personally, I don't have a preference of either the inlaid or cut out spokes. My choice would depend on the quality of execution and the overall condition of the iron, leaning towards the condition seen in Christians example. Ken, I am guessing that there is some wear to the 'mounted" one ? Since you can't get photos, can you describe the amount, type and location of wear or deterioration of each?

Nice score old friend !

Christian and I are thinking alike, buy them both !

Ha, I wish that were true. Sounds good though.

I agree completely, that is it. I stand corrected. I knew it looked odd for Naga, yet I didn't recall that particular kanji for Yoshi.

While the top part of Naga looks odd/backwards, I still think it Naga opposed to Yoshi. Maybe whoever cut it was dyslexic. There are several characters for Yoshi but none look close to me.

I'm a bit bewildered as to how anyone can be comfortable enough to provide valuation estimates without photos of the entire sword. There are no photos of the Kissaki or of the Omote. What if the kissaki is broken, the second photo almost looks as though it was deliberately taken to exclude the kissaki ? Big nasty opening on the omote ? I don't know that there is any additional damage or flaws, but I do know that if there is unseen damage and the OP buys it, he going to say "the experts on the NMB told me it was worth it". It seems to me that when asking for values, one should be required to provide a minimum of necessary photos. Seriously ? The only thing this tsuba has in common with the Yokoya Soyo examples in your links is that the motif is of Shishi. Comparatively on a scale of 1-10 the tsuba in this thread is a 0 and the Soyo pieces are a 100.

Brian, Does the fuchi match that kashira ? Very nice. Steve, A good dog is about the best security system there is. While I don't have a dog, I do have the next best thing for peace of mind:

Myself as well. I think it topics like these are the only negative issue with having to go by your real name opposed to a moniker. There are members and/or lurkers here who do have high class items. Unfortunately, and rightly so, they may be a bit paranoid about sharing such items attached to their names.

Arnold, I have always seen them as Guido said, blades to the left. Here is a photo of how they are displayed in Himeji Castle.

Ok Steve, Here are a few. Doubt these need descriptions.

Nice Choshu Landscape

A couple of decent kozuka:

It is very close but not the same kozuka. Gordon's appears to be the the return trip, as the Ferry is traveling the opposite direction. The one you are thinking of:

I always hate to hear such sad news. While not knowing him personally, it is obvious that he was a dedicated student, collector and teacher. My condolences go out to his family and personal friends. It makes me think, with all the great collectors who have passed, there should be one heck of a study group in Heaven.

Something about it bothers me, gut reaction is either modern or over cleaned. It shows no signs of age. Over cleaning could account for the lack of age, and the loss of patination in the high spots where the copper is showing through. Could be blackened copper, especially if modern. The nakago ana bothers me also, no seki gane, and the punch marks appear unnatural to me. Or it could be the photos, just my opinion. It and $5 will get you a coffee most places.

Yeah, I told the owner that was too cheap. But he needs to liquidate some cash quickly and asked me to list these below his cost, considerably below cost ! Hizen collectors should rejoice then jump, or vise versa. Thanks for noticing and mentioning them.

Hope they spend some of that on employee education ! Fat chance !

Ken, Use EMS only. UPS and FEDEX will charge you much more and do nothing more. Other than more hassle that is. If the value is over $2500, they will send them to an import broker. As Grey said, you absolutely must use the correct tariff code. For antiques it is 9706.00.00 Also, if you are bringing them to tampa for shinsa (?) state on the label "NOT FOR SALE". I would write a letter describing the swords accurately, including overall length, maker, date of manufacture and a small photo of the swords. Include your name, address, e-mail, phone # and also this information of the receiver. I normally put this letter in an envelope marked" US CUSTOMS" and tape it to the outside of the box. Another option is to place it inside the box attached to the swords, so in the event customs opens the box they can not miss the letter. EXAMPLE: Shippers name address e-mail phone # Recipents Name address e-mail phone # Contents: Two (2) Antique Japanese Swords. Both are greater than 100 years old. Harmonized Tariff Code: 9706.00.00 1. Katana (Long sword), Overall Length (add), signed "Hizen no Kuni Ju Fujiwara Tadahiro”. This sword smith worked in the mid 1600’s. 2. Wakizashi (short sword), Overall Length (add), unsigned , but estimated to be approximately the same age as sword #1 These antique swords are NOT FOR SALE. They are being sent for restoration work and shall be returned upon completion. PHOTOS HERE **NOTE TO CUSTOMS OFFICERS: Please do not place your hands or fingers directly on the blades. The oils from you hands can cause damage to the surface of the steel. This can be very costly and time consuming to repair. **VERY IMPORTANT: These swords are very sharp and personal injury is possible without proper knowledge of handling them. Thank you.