Justin Grant

I can't tell by the "bluing" of the "torch" section. It depends on how hot they got it when trying to repair if it did any damage. But Keith is most always correct, and it can be a killer to the sword, and as he stated, it can be repaired, but will present a completely different sword in the end. I would say a trained polisher will know.. Start there.... PM for names. Justin

Ian and Eric and others are much better than I am, but my guess is early/mid EDO. Why I think this: The Tokugawa Kamon and the Tehen strikes me as a later style. I forget the proper Japanese name of the style of the hachi, "Rear Mountain Victory" or something of that nature. It looks like it is Tetsu Sabiji with Kuro Urushi Nuri Shikoro in Kebiki style odoshi. These things I am sure you know. I am sure others with more experience will correct me, but regardless, I like it very much. Edit: I think the style of the hachi is called Goshozan?

http://www.jssus.org/nkp/swordsmith_database.html

Looking at the hachi, I am guessing mid/late Edo in the "revival of old" period of armor making because of the Fukigaeshi are the exaggerated look. The Kote are there, and look nice, but not sure (because of the small pictures) if they are a matched set with this armor. The Tetsu Sabiji finish does not seems to match the other sangu, the Kabuto looks as if it might be tetsu sabiji but the Men-o-shita (spelling) looks like it is covered in urushi. Higher quality samurai gear, but may be a composite set, but that does not mean I would not be proud to own it.

The title of this topic seems to sum it all up. I would count myself very lucky to have one piece that he has in his collection, more or less the swath of items he presents. But, I still hold hope and I plot, that one day, I will have something as exquisite in my humble collection, until then, I appreciate that he presents these for us to enjoy and study. Many Thanks Justin

Mr. Schiller- I found your post very educational. While not trying to hijack this topic, I am interested in how one goes about repairing Urushi. I have seen topics where repair is not suggested, but a complete re-application of urushi is the best since the spot repaired will "fade" at a different rate than the original urushi. However, I have seen places send out Katchu and Saya for spot repair. Are there types of urushi or "styles" that lend to repair vs complete rework? While I would love to try my hand at it once, I know better, I would end up covered in rash cream and cursing the day I placed the order.

Hi Eric Here is the photo you asked for. It was listed as an early/mid Edo Tetsu Sabiji Zu Nari Kabuto (Russet Iron Head Shaped Helmet). It was purchased from Toraba Japanese Samurai Armours. I have had a affinity for Zunari helmets, something about them speaks to me, so to have a chance at a period correct unit was a dream for me. Like I said, this is not a top shelf item, but this is exactly what I wanted, a good used, everyday kabuto, as would be used by a mid to low ranking Samurai, the bulk of the field, if you will. I realize this is not everyone's cup of tea, and we should all collect the best of everything, but for me, this represent the best the "average" Samurai would or could afford.

Thought I would share my first Zu Nari purchase. I realize this is not a museum quality item, but I am very happy with it. Thanks! Justin PS. Photos are from the seller, and are his property.

Thanks to all fo you, I have emailed the seller. I directed him to the photos. I just received this late last week, so my daughter's new lens might have saved me some money. Regardless, the lens she has is very nice at collecting detail that a standard lens might not show. When my blade returns from polish, I will have her try and get some photos of it. Thanks Justin

I saw that too. It is not as obvious from the mimi but looking inside the cut outs, you see a parting line. It was listed as an edo piece. Did they cast tsuba in the late edo? Thanks!

My 15 year old daughter is an aspiring photographer. She just purchased her first macro lens and took some pictures of my newest tsuba. She attempted to get details of some of the harder to see areas of a tsuba, so here is her work. https://picasaweb.google.com/104054299888891235469/Tsuba# Not sure how many know how to use Google Photos, but if you click the photo in question, it will open up and just on the top right of the photo will be a magnafying glass. If you click it, you can then increase the size to see the detail work.

I have an Ashigaru hotoke dou that I am relacing with some... a lot... of guidance from Ian and a lot of reading and photos. You are correct about ashigaru gear, but it is out there. Good luck.

It is falling apart from lack of proper care, storage, and no love. Sure, things deteriorate with time, but this was accelerated with the lack of care. Provide a stable environment and it will be good. Justin

Thanks for the information. I realize the "burn them out" tactic was used, and still is today. Just seems that the burnt blades are very prevalent in the market. Seems for every 1/2 dozen that are not re-tempered, you find several that were. I don't know, just seems odd to me that a large number of these are in the market place in terms of percentage of the whole.

Looking for a continued education here. In my travels into the land of nihonto, I have seen and owned blades that were rumored to have been burnt. I can see the one off blade that was in a major fire, but in my limited travels in this land, I have owned two blades that are supposable blades that were in a fire and then re-tempered to bring new use out of them. I have seen several posts here about blades that are burnt and re-tempered. How common was this (blades being burned up in fires)? The fire would have to have some serious heat to do real damage, would it not? My journey has been short, but the use of the term “burnt” has been prevalent, so either this is a quick assessment to explain poor initial craftsmanship or the Samuari/Ashigaru were pyromaniacs. Thanks for any feedback. Justin

Toraba (Trevor) has a new book out. Ian's series of books are great. Then the books in Japanese. Takes times to read them but that is part of the fun.

Ian I am always impressed by your knowledge and willingness to educate. Thank you. Justin

That is odd. I'd wait for Ian or maybe Eric to comment on it. My limited understanding tells me the side attachments are a later addition. But, like most things, I am more than likely incorrect. I love the Zunari kabutos..

Eric daimyou54eb sent me a message through ebay the other day, maybe Monday. I replied but no response.

Light switch plate.

Photos from the Samurai Gallary (their spelling)

To make hidden files "visable" In the folder you are interested in, click "Tools" from the menu. Click "Folder Options", Click the "View" tab, under "Hidden files and folders", Click the "Show hidden files and folders". It may have more to do with the file association. If an "viewer" is not installed, it won't display the files, but the above steps will make the files show up.

Thanks guys- I am guessing, based on the initially translated part, this may be from an armory, and "stock" distribution gear for the low ranking Samurai, and the number is an “inventory” number. Any more information is greatly appreciated. The armor is in sad shape, all lacquer is gone, no odoshi , etc. It will be a future project.

I recently picked up several armor, and one had this inside it. Just wondering what it says. Thanks! Justin

I had this happen the other day. I was bidding on a Kabuto. All was well for a few day and I knew it would go up at the end. Two days before the auction end with no movement a bid came in and jumped my minimum bid up past my max by 200US. I wanted the item and rebid and the next day it jumped again 200US. I looked at the bid history and it was the same person with 0 feedback. I let it go seeing it was someone running up the price. It "sold" for the high price and I am sure it will be relisted. Just put a reserve on it, the fee is much less than selling it to yourself through a shill bid for a high price.