Ed

Someone else had sent me that link previously asking my thoughts. First I want to make it clear that I do not know this person nor am I trying to indicate anything specifically wrong with this yari. Like Joe Friday, I will stick to the facts only. The photos are not sufficient to portray it's condition without question. It seems to be in pretty good polish, but with no close ups who knows. The listing states it is ubu, yet there are no photos of the nakago aside from the one on the papers (and it does not show the entire nakago). The seller himself has been a member of e-bay since 2000 but he only has 14 feedbacks and his last feedback was in 2001. All were from sellers, no buyers. I have never bought a sword on e-bay, but even if I was to consider it, I think paranoia or the facts would prevent this from being the one.

I was pretty sure that was the smith, but could not find an oshigata example to compare it to. Yes, is is a nicely cut mei, in fact the whole sword is in good condition as are the 44-45 mounts. Thank you very much for your time.

Hi all, I recently acquired a star stamped gendaito and translating the mei is giving me a hard time. I look like this guy trying to read it . I know it is Masa Hiro saku , but the rest is foreign to me (pun intended) Dr. Steins site list a "Hitachi Shishi do Isobe Masahiro", but i am unfamiliar with these characters. If one of you guys can read it, and share the reading with me, I would be much obliged. Arigato gozaimasu

While catching up on some of these posts I have not had time to read, I saw this one. Max, just curious as whether or not you have received your sword and when you were going to post additional photos and/or what you think of it. They are quite difficult to come by, and personally I have only seen in hand two, and photos of two others(both in this thread). The Gassan Darcy posted was just phenominal, in fact I attempted to purchase it, but was too late. While we are waiting on Max for some photos I will share another with you guys. Unfortunately, I do not have any decent photos of it. The double edge gives me fits, and I can not seem to shoot any worthwhile photos (I hope to have Darcy photograph it at some point). I am including the oshigata of it from when it was featured in the NTHK's "Token-To Rekishi". It was polished, papered and has sayagaki by Yoshikawa Sensei.

Christies London "Japanese Art & Design" Auction, #7582 is being held May 14, 2008. Considerable number of swords (45) with some big names being offered. Names like Go Yoshihiro, Rai Kunimitsu, Kotetsu, etc., etc. Here is the link for those who wish to take a look: http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/searchresults.aspx?intSaleID=21503#intSaleID=21503

Rick, Sorry, I thought I sent you the following info: The papers list it's design as "Toryumon zu", which loosely translates as "to overcome great obstacles". This is generally seen in the motif of a carp swimming up a waterfall.

I don't have a phone #, but as a last resort his snail mail address is: Van Damme Zenon 29 Sint-Andiesdreef 8200, Bruges Belgium

This years Florida Token Kai seems to have been successful for the most part. They were many dealers and pretty good crowds despite the looming recession. There were table after table of swords, tsuba, fittings and various related items. The bigger dealers were there such as Bushido, Nihonto.com, Nihonto.us, Masamune Swords, with incredible swords and fittings. Many other dealers attended as well, all with great merchandise and prices. There were also an abundance of private collectors in attendance selling some top quality pieces. Swords which included Hizen, Gassan, Rai swords. Tsuba and fittings including Goto, Higo, Akasaka, Bushu, Choshu, Omori etc., etc. Several of the NMB's own along with myself were in attendance. Barry Hennick, with some great Hizen swords as well as fittings, inro, etc.. Curran was there with an awesome Juyo sword and many high end fittings. Pete attended and had many beautiful tsuba. There were a few others also such as Quang, Grey and Mark. That is all I can think of for now, sorry if I missed anyone. Personally, though I did not bring an abundance of merchandise, it was a sell out. In the closing minutes it became quite interesting as I was selling Vegas style, ie; make an offer and we flip for your (reasonable) offer or my price. I must thank Barry Hennick for giving me a "lucky" nickel, which provided me with nothing but wins. Hands on exhibits and lectures were provided by the NBTHK/AB. The swords provided for our learning experience were all Juyo pieces with the exception of one which is Juyo quality. They included Bizen Kagehide (c. 1265), Bizen Chikakage (c. 1325), Ko-Bizen Tomomasa (c. 1200), Fukuoka Ichimonji (c. 1250), and Enju Kunisuke (c. 1275). The Goto Fittings lecture and exhibit by Jim Gilbert was also impressive and informative. A number of early Goto artisans were represented for our scrutiny. The examples included 2nd gen. Sojo(1461-1538), 5th gen. Tokujo (1550-1631), 7th gen Kenjo (1586-1663), etc.. Jim is relentless in his studies and is a valuable asset to the collecting community. He is always willing to share information and his lectures are always elucidative. After hours it was wine, women and song. Seriously, lots of good food, drink and camaraderie. For a few photos follow the link: http://yakiba.com/florida_tokenkai_08.htm The NBTHK/AB and JSS/US need your continued support in order to continue and improve these exhibits and lectures, as well as continue their translations and publications of related literature. Join now: NBTHK/AB: http://nbthk-ab.org/nbthkapplication.pdf JSS/US: http://www.jssus.org/

You are right bidding was ended, bids cancelled. Maybe someone was messing with his auction, maybe he sold it outside the bay. ??????????? And again I was not nor am not trying to place fault or suspicion on the seller. My only question was in regards to the high bid sight unseen. :? I thought it seemed strange a sword would bid up that high without a single photo.

Sorry, Forgot to add the link. It states he is going to add photos but it has gone to to 14K without. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=270190828899&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=017

Hi all, I had a minute of free time and while cruising e-bay spotted this sword. Have any of you been watching this ? Seiho is undoubtedly an excellent gendai smith, and the seller while I do not know personally, is reportedly a straight up guy. Neither point having anything to do with my curiosity. I am simply surprised that it has received bids up to $14K with no photos provided, other than one of a gunto koshirae, and some info on the smith. Any comments or thoughts ?

Hi Roland, That is the correct address. It is possible that your message was in the spam folder along with a lot of junk and I accidently overlooked it prior to emptying the folder. Please send another test e-mail in order that I can get you into my accepted list.

Hi guys, Had a minute to look at the board and noticed this post. Thanks everyone for your support on my behalf. Roland, I am sorry to say that I never received your message. Even checked my spam folder to no avail. I have been a little slow to respond lately, but I never ignore my e-mails. If it is any consolation, there were 3-4 guys in line for the Kagenori. Again, my apologies.

A great read, it is an action packed samurai movie set in modern Japan. I recommend it highly. Stephen made a point to make it realistic and not another "Kill Bill" type of movie. He bought several swords from me while doing the research for the 47th Samurai and sent me a signed copy prior to its release. I was quite happy when he told me: "Your swords were the best, by the way, of the several sites I bought from, in terms of beauty and value." He is is also author of "Point of impact" which was made into the movie "Shooter" with Mark Wahlberg (not the fittings dealer). The main character "Bob Lee Swagger" is featured in both books. Again I think you guys will like it.

Congratulations. What great news, I know you are relieved. That kind of stress must be overwhelming. Best of luck on your recovery, and please keep us updated. I know people say all the time that no one cares, but that is not true, I care. God Bless.

John, Wow, nice tsuba. I really like the top one depicting the sages in Bamboo. Thanks for sharing. Ps: If you want to sell it write me. :D

Mokume tsuba made from Nanban Tettsu or foreign steel. http://yakiba.com/tsuba_nanbantetsu.htm

Hi Guys, Thanks again for the comments regarding this tsuba and the quality of the photos. I have been working hard at improving the photo quality, now if I could devise a plan to eliminate that damned dust. I was fairly certain it was inlay prior to having a closer look. Then once the macro shots were examined I felt there was no doubt. However, bowing to those senior to myself in their studies of tsuba, I keep an open mind in order to facillitate my appetition for knowledge. Curran, So with it being inlay, what are your thoughts. I am surprised there have been no comments from the other two board authorities, Rich T., and Pete K. Paul, Yes, the petal of the blossom is engraved into the seppa-dai. I added two more close-ups of that area if you want a better look at it. I don't know the original intention of the maker or owner but at some point it was mounted. You can see the outline where the seppa was in the two new photos. Thanks again for the info. Nigel, I am pretty sure it was mounted at some point(see above comment to paul). Whether or not that was the intention of the maker is speculation. Martin, I feel sure it is later work, but I personally can not guess much more than that. That is why I requested more info from my seniors. As far as selling, sorry, not this one. That is unless anyone knows how to get in touch with the two bidders/buyer from the recent Christies sale who bid $75k on that one tsuba. John, Again, I do not know specifically, but I am pretty sure it will receive a good attribution. If you look closely you will see there are some very minor patination problems. I am having it restored to it's full potential, then it will be off to shinsa in December. Once in I will update everyone. Again, any and all comments are welcome and appreciated.

Everyone, Thanks for the kind words regarding this tsuba. I am glad you liked it. If you would like to see the other side and some close ups, follow the link provided below. Curran, Sorry I couldn't reply sooner, we were having server issues last evening and I could not log on. Your question regarding inlay or paint had me scrambling about, as I had assumed it was inlay merely due to the quality of the work. I took several macro shots of the inlay, where clearly seen are gaps between the shakudo and the gold. My conclusion(for what it is worth) is that it is inlay. Please take a look and see what you think, correct me if I am wrong. http://yakiba.com/tsuba_sakura.htm

..a newly acquired tsuba. Just curious as to what you guys think about this tsuba in regards to it's school or maker. I have had several different thoughts on it, but am leaning towards Kaga Goto, but I could be way off. That about taps my limitations, so I would be interested in what anyone else may have to say. The tsuba is shakudo and depicts sakura blossoms folded over the mimi on to a background of nanako.

But it ain't priceless, as we shall see in a few days. I have no problem with the tsuba itself, didn't even bother to look at it that close. It was the wording I found humorously oxymoronic. A priceless tsuba on e-bay. :lol:

... Owari tsuba on e-bay. http://cgi.ebay.com/9118-JP-SAMURAI-SWORD-NBTHK-priceless-precious-Tsuba_W0QQitemZ260164431174QQihZ016QQcategoryZ73466QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Peter, As far as I know they all do, but if in doubt you should confirm with Merlin prior to ordering.

I am not sure about the newer releases but most of the old classics can be purchased through Merlins web site "SamuraiDVD". http://www.samuraidvd.com/

Curran, Yes, I am sure. See the following link to the "auction results" page , scroll down to lot 353. There it is in B/W, $91,000 (Total including fees). I knew it was nothing more than bidding frenzy, my gut told me so. However, as I am nowhere as experienced as you and Pete, I wanted to stay open minded, in hopes for an educational experience. Thanks Pete, very eloquently stated. :lol: I agree. http://www.christies.com/auction/results/results_lotlist.asp?saleno=NYC1876&page=3 In regards to the Koshirae (#327). It as well is one of those which go unexplained. I suppose it is simply that no one wants to spend that much on a Higo koshirae. There is another Juyo Higo Koshirae on one of the commercial sites at around the same price. It has been up a few weeks and has not sold either. While you and I may appreciate the subtle beauty of such a koshirae, much as did the Samurai, the buying masses seem to want flash for the cash. Many of todays new "collectors" are buyers, not collectors. (see above tsuba discussion).