Yoshimichi

Dear Sabastien: Thanks for the additional oshigata. Very helpful to the discussion. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear Piers: I suppose Tom was looking for other characteristics of the Yoshimichi school when he requested photos of the hamon near the nakago and the kissaki. I was told that a characteristic is the yakidashi, which tends to show a sudareba hamon that becomes narrower and somewhat suguha in the last 2-4 inches of the hamon going into the nakago. Mark mentioned the "Tamba ball" in the kissaki, another characteristic tending to further support a Yoshimichi school blade. I have attached some photos of the yakidashi, "Tamba ball," and mei of a waki I own which I believe to likely be a 3rd generation Osaka blade, though I have not had it papered, Just picked it up last July. When all is said and done, yours is a nice looking piece, looks shoshin, and I would not have hesitated in buying it myself at auction, for a price that sounds like it was good purchase price. I would love to see more pictures as well. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear Piers: Attached are various oshigata arranged by generation that I put together years ago from various taikans. In looking at the radicals of your mei, it has a lot of similarities to the 2nd generation oshigata that is second from the left, in my opinion. Yours also has a lot of characteristics of the sandai mei, but there are little differences. For example, the "bow shaped" radical in the "Tam" kanji tends to commonly start at around 4 or 5 o'clock in relation to the mekugi-ana. Your kanji starts higher above the mekugi-ana. May be nothing. Just an observation. Hopefully, you will not get eye strain comparing these. I suppose if someone forced me to make a choice, I suppose I would pick 2nd generation. What say others? Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear Piers: Exciting find. Bravo. Jacques nailed it with the Imura Taikan I have attached the whole page of the oshigata in question, and the cover title of the taikan. I have it listed as 4th generation in my inventory, but could be 3rd generation. Hope these give you more info. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi) .

Dear Manuel: Thanks so much for the translation. Once you gave me the translation, I was able to find all kinds of great information on this vase. Thanks again. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB member: I need some help translating the kanji on the bottom of this vase. I hope someone can help (Hopefully,, it is not something like "Acme Vase Co." Thanks for any help. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

I was saddened to learn today of Frankie Banali's passing on August 20th from viewing Mike Yamazaki's website. Thanks for the post Mike. Frank was only 68, and just one year younger than me. He apparently passed from Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and put up a hell of a fight. I will miss him. I first met Frankie when he came into the S,F. Token Kai one year. He had an interest at the time in Mishina Yoshimichi blades, as did I, so we had something in common, and we had some fun conversations about swords, his travels to Japan, and struck up a casual friendship. I found him very personable, friendly, and willing to share his love of sword collecting and knowledge very readily.What I found interesting was that he was not only a sword collector, he was the drummer of the heavy metal band "Quiet Riot," one of my secretary's favorite bands. When I told him of my secretary's love of his band, he was kind enough to send me an autographed picture of the band, signed by all members, and a copy of their latest album, before it was released, to give to her. He did this out of the blue, without me asking, just because he was that kind of thoughtful person. My secretary was beside herself. Sometime later, Frankie purchased a second generation Kikumon Yoshimichi from me. I do not know whatever happened to the tanto after he purchased it. I hope he enjoyed it like I did.. One time when Frankie's band, Quiet Riot, was coming to my home town (Chico, California), Frankie called or emailed me and asked if I would like to attend the concert, and of course I said "Yes," and he put me and my nephew, and his friend on the Guest list. They put on an incredible concert, and Frankie was amazing on the drums, as usual. It was a memorable concert that my nephew and others in Chico still talk about...thanks to Frankie. I will miss seeing him coming into the S.F. Token Kai and speaking with him. He was a great guy, a knowledgeable sword collector, and fellow lover of all things Japanese. I am better for our paths crossing on this journey of life, as I am sure many others are who knew Frankie. Rest in Peace, Frankie. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan

Dear Kissakai: Here are some of the Yanone shapes others have discussed. I have had these in a rack in my office for years. They are fun to collect, and affordable. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Sale ended. Thanks for looking, Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Last reduction: $25 for all three, plus buyer pays shipping. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

PRICE REDUCTION: $30.00 for all three, plus the buyer pays shipping costs. Will accept Paypal for international purchasers. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

The temporary hold on Vol. 2, No. 3 is lifted. It is still available, Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB members: I am not opposed to selling the Bushido journals separately for $15.00 each, if members do not want all three. Buyer pays shipping costs in addition to the purchase price. Payment required within five days of purchase by cashiers' check or money order. If you can use any, PM me. Vol. 2, No. 3 is on temporary hold. Thanks for looking. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

Dear NMB Members: I have three (3) Bushido catalogs for sale. They have some age-related scuffing and creases on the covers, but overall in sound condition. Two are from 1980, and one is from 1981. If you need these to complete a set, or for general reference, here you go. PRICE: $55.00 for all three, and I will pay shipping within the U,S. Foreign buyers pay all shipping costs. Payment required within five (5) days by cashier's check or money order. If you can use them, PM me. Thanks for looking. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)

SOLD both pieces to the same collector. Thanks for looking, and have a great Holiday and a Merry Christmas. I will probably be listing an Osaka line Tamba no Kami Yoshimichi (fairly confident it is 3rd generation) wakizashi in shirasaya with koshirae/tsunagi soon, but with so many swords for sale right now, I may hold off for a bit. Regards, Bill E. Sheehan (Yoshimichi)