Death-Ace

Hi guys! Unfortunately, since my camera's broken (and the Android under repair), I have no pictures for the time being. I bought two swords from an antiques dealer friend for a very good price. They are both in rough shape, but couldn't pass them up (the oil tempered Kai-Gunto with black leather cover will look good with the new Naval Area of collecting I'm hoping to delve into). The other one is a Tokyo Arsenal (Star with circle) Type 95. I have tried to look for more of these online, but have found only one other with the majority being Kokuras and a few Jinsen arsenal blades mixed in. #7 on Mr. Ohmura's page (http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_077.htm) has the exact markings. The scabbard and blade do match and the vast majority of the paint is on the scabbard with paint still on the handle. Until I have photos available, can anyone tell me the history of their part in their manufacture and their numbers today? (with such a high serial number, I'd think there'd be a lot more out there unless they all "shared" them?) Thanks! Lev

Thought this would also help: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Sword- ... 626wt_1396 Apparently it is (well, WAS) a holdout's sword who still evaded capture for nearly a year on Okinawa before surrendering. Apparently his conditions during that time took it's toll on the ashi/ring (and on him!). It's set up is quite similar. Could it have rotted off or the officer took it off for convenience? I'd think more of both or the latter. As stated, it would be convenient and less of a nuisance to carry it from the belt. Doesn't woodblock prints have some samurai carrying it as such? Lev

Brian, I guess he just wanted to point it out again for new people who may ask? Not sure. Shows he knows the good places on the web, in any case! Lev

Hey everyone! Sorry for the late reply. I have been checking responses, but the only thing I was really able to use was my Android and even then I kind of rushed the message. Years of reading and I still sound like a first grade novice! Anyways, I thank y'all for your kind (and to the point) advice! He doesn't really like to deal with the internet much but he probably wouldn't mind sending a few pics via e-mail. However, I understand and my knowledge vs. "regret" seemed to play against each other again at this. Luckily, I won't be buying this piece. I was already saving up for a nice gendaito and well, things happened and I guess I still have a thing for "abused" arms. However, I have gone through flawed blades and it's time for me to move on to a field I wish to study: 20th Century arms with Gendaito one of the main categories. I am interested in the blades of Nagamitsu and Kanemitsu as they produced quality blades wartime as things were going to hell (to their European counterparts, quality firearms were still abound but was going to crap). I will probably head back to nihonto (Koto wakizashi a must!) as I better understand and have more spare time (whatever I'll have in the service) to study those blades. See y'all around! Lev

Hi guys! No pics of this one, but I can describe it the best to my abilities. While vacationing, I saw a nice early, mid Shinto wakizashi owned by an acquaintance for $600. It had been remounted at least two times (three mekugi-ana) and is signed, but has been shortened, cutting off a few characters. He said it was remounted in the '50s and the scabbard has been over-lacquered as well as the tsuka showing signs of wear (same has most likely shrunk). Now for the blade. It is in decent shape, no rust (but has some speckling of sort? Not rust or pitting, but not sure how to put it). No nicks, but has three hairline ware (less than a 3/4 inch long each) and a small blister. The other side is perfect but I can't see any hada. Doesn't look tired nor can I see any signs of core steel starting to be exposed. The hamon was a nice midare/choji type. Does this seem like a good price? I'll ask him again the name of the smith and if he can send some pics. Was going to buy it, but wondered if I should save up for a Ichihara Nagamitsu in Type 3 mounts! :D Thanks! Lev

The Met truly is the essence of HUGE. Only saw the foreign arts. I agree, the Morimitsu was beautiful. What was the katana by its lonesome? Was nice to see the truly ancient blades.

Hi yall! Met with Ogawa-san again a few days back. Surprised he remembered me as its been over a year. Still a nice guy! Curran, Ahh he told me he had a wife, didn't know she was a Prof.! Still has many of the same swords, but have more time toook at them all. Unfortunately business for him has been slow the past three months. Has a wakizashi for a good price and may buy it. Not too spectacular, but a nice study piece. The Flying Crane still has nice art, late Edo to Shows mainly other from the nihonto and tsuba. All very beautiful but interested in mainly the edged weapons (and the girl in their other section! LOL :D ) For anyone who likes woodblock prints and good prices on nihonto, Mr. Ogawas one of the last of his kind

Dave, Heading to Manhattan as we speak. I remember someone there who may be able to help know someone on everything else!

Hi y'all! Does anyone know of any stores in that area? Went to Manhattan last year and found the Flying Crane Antiques and the Akasaka Collection by Ogawa-san to be real treats but can't seem to find anything else. Going back tomorrow and hpefully can find some neat places (maybe some militaria shops to browse) as well as some local museums again while spending time with the folks! Merry Christmas, Lev

This is hard to believe. We in America had Katrina a few years back, but it appears to be a pinch from nature compared to this. We really all need to do something. I just feel ashamed that when they were taking donations, I didn't have a penny on me to donate... Does anyone know of any volunteer groups who are heading over now and taking people or if US citizens can go abroad? May be a naive request, but I wasn't able to help in Katrina, but I want to now.

Age: 16 (Hey I'm old....in teen years) Turning 17 March 10th! Among my personal possessions I treasure are a 1921 DWM luger, a 1924 Saint Gaudens Double Eagle in MS-63 grade, and...a few nihonto Back in 4th (or 5th) grade, this guy here developed an interest in Japanese culture. After a few years of studying, I got into Japanese militaria (games affect one's mind in oh-so many ways :lol: ) I started collecting when I was about 12, with financial aid from my parents of course. During that time, I came across my first blade. She was a Type 3 gunto showato blade signed by Nagamitsu.The mounts were in...less than perfect condition, but the blade looked beautiful. Traded 'er a month back for a Type 94 Nambu. One late war for another...but now that I see the seller has hyped the price waaaay above normal...feel bad. But it's these lessons we learn from. Blue skies of Thunderbolts, Lev

Perhaps it was used by George Foreman's Asian ancestors. :D Aren't Nagamakis generally widen towards the kissaki?