intosight

Hello Barry, As I understand it, our family originally spelled it Prier. The Robb with two b's is unusual, though. I was named after a Samuel David Robb. Sorry you lost touch. Why is it so hard to keep people pinned down? Ever run an internet search on him? Cheers, David

Good People of this Conclave, Please excuse my tardiness. I am David Robb Pryor, 45 years of age, and resident of Joplin, Missouri, U.S. I am a writer and painter, though I have worn many hats in my life (inluding cowboy and firefighter, afraid astronaut is probably out at this point!) to support that. I have not posted since the devastating tornado this spring. On this, the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, I thought it appropriate to mention a possibly overlooked aspect of this site. Though I have not posted, I visit often, and the humor, banter, and insight in so many areas is a constant balm and reassurance in times of trouble. So, I thank you all. The blade survived the tornado, by the way, and I will be submitting it in Minneapolis this October. Looking forward to meeting some of you in person then. Stay well, David

Hey Paul, Nothing you said sounds harsh. I have a penchant for the truth. I was not talking about my particular project here, just asking for information regarding practices of smiths when signing their mei, which you did address (thank you!). I'm not trying to hi-jack a thread either, but for the record, I think the chance of my blade being Munechika is about the same as the world ending in 2012. The info I gave about Munechika's mei is, I believe, accurate according to my reading, although I think the terms used were ura and oma. I'd have to do a little thinking to remember where exactly I came across it, but there is suprisingly little info about him, so it shouldn't be hard to come by. Truly, just honestly curious. Thanks, David P

Hi Bugyotsuji, Having considerably more experience with horses than this strange new world of Nihonto I suggest starting this whole enterprise at the front end of the horse. I assume whoever is setting this up will provide some pretty stolid animals, but even the calmest old trail horse can react pretty strongly to a heavily built dudette, clanking with cameras and sporting a flappping yellow sun hat. Spend some time up front, moving slowly and speaking lowly until the animal allows you to touch its face. As for the actual mounting and moving about, don't worry about dignity. Mount from a platform if available, with help if not, and personally I would not be insulted to have an attendent constantly in control of the horse's head. It is just a photo op afterall, and not worth wounding yourself, your gear or the animal. Take a hint from the knights of old, and tell them you require a page. Best of luck, David P

Hey Guys, The gimei aspect of this aside, I'm wondering how hard and fast this Katana-mei vs. Tachi-mei rule is. Wasn't it more a question of custom, rather than a rule or law? In dealing with Sanjo Munechika I have discovered that he was known to sign his work either Sanjo, Katane-mei, or Munechika, Tachi-mei. I gather that he was one of the first, if not the first, to sign his work, so maybe the precedent was set later. But being extremely green and very focused in a limited area at the moment, I was wondering if there could be other instances of sho-shin mei that bucked the rules. David P

Hello again, I've been trying to find some information on the Japanese Firearms and Sword Law with little success. Actually I have found quite a bit, but nothing on the date that this law was implemented. My assumption is that it took place under American occupation after Japan's surrender in 1945 as part of the pacification process. But I haven't found anything that affirms that assumption clearly. I'm curious because the date on my license is 1946, which would make it very early. All examples I've seen have a serial number in western numerals, but this one doesn't, only the Japanese for 44. Finally, Brian found it unusual that this document was recorded on two sides, one in Kanji and one in English. I haven't been able to locate anything similar. Any thoughts or information greatly appreciated. David P ps: Did come across a short video history showing blades being destroyed by breaking. Thought of what might have been lost was heartrending.

Hey Guys, Appreciate all the advice. Still not sure what I'll do, but in the meantime I've been working on some better photos. Please try link below. Thanks, David P http://cid-3781b780682b4394.skydrive.li ... 2B4394!124

Hey guys, I've been playing with the photography process and think I have better photos for you to view. Hopefully addressed some of the concerns George and others had. Link below. Let me know what you think. David P http://cid-3781b780682b4394.skydrive.li ... 2B4394!124

Hi Grey, Sorry. I meant to say Minneapolis. But I have heard this organization is not really recognized in Japan and papers they provide carry little worth. ? David P

Hey Guys, Once again, a wealth of information. And my enthuisiasm outstrips my knowledge. Gimei this well might be, though it would have been done very long ago. I gather that is not too unusual? I'm getting some off site feedback about Shinsa in Chicago. Basically I'm being told papers provided by this company cannot compete with what can be obtained in Japan. Accurate? Cheers, David P

Bravo Ruben, It would appear that you have the fortitude and tact to accomplish your endeavors into another culture. If I'm saying this correctly, let me bring in another: Good on ya! David P

Once again, Hello, Brian, please take a look at this before you relegate it into my former thread. If that is where you think it belongs, by all means... If so, is there anyway to flag it so folks know we have a twist in the story? You'll know best. Just returned from a whirlwind trip to the owner of our mystery sword widow's home. She called about eight to say she had found the sword's license. License? Bless her heart, she apparently hadn't mentioned it because she wasn't sure if she could locate it. Sure enough, aged yellow paper, scotch tape over a rip in one corner, Japanese on one side and English on the other. Licensed to one Takeshi Watanabe, issued by the Govenor of Iwate Prefecture, description, Japanese sword, maker Munechika, make-up,ordinary scabbard. What? I quickly turned to the Japanese side and there was the lovely Sanjo mei, followed by five kanji that couldn't be deciphered on the rusty tang. I'm a little punch drunk at the moment and I'm sure I'm butchering this post, but could this possibly be so easy? When did weapons licensing come into being in Japan? Was it in place by 1950? How accurate would it be compared to a Shinsa attribution? The thing looks legit, basic form in black ink filled in with handwritten ink that has aged brown on both sides. The handwriting for the English is script and difficult to make out. I'll spend some time on the Kanji in the morning. Also try to get a scan I can post here. But what are the red flags I should be looking for here? I really am too tired to search right now but I think Sanjo Munechika is one of the big boys. Would there be lots of false attributions in his name? Do I still need to submit to Shinsa? I'm heading for bed but wanted to get this posted so I could get some thoughts before morning. Gotta tell you, this is almost like coitus interuptus, cut down in mid search. Thanks for anything as always and goodnight, David

Thanks Brian, I wasn't sure if it was still being viewed. Also, just found the flyer for October's Shinsa, so have the cost question answered. David

Hello everybody, Thanks for all the great information on my earlier post. Far more than I expected and very much appreciated. But to some extent I am still in a bit of a quandry as to how to proceed. I may be dealing with a Koto era blade with a SanJo mei signed in Hollywood, but how do I find out for sure? I have contacted M. Becerra, F. Weissberg, and T. Pepin through their web-sites, and all have been gracious and helpful, but I know nothing more of these men than what they themselves post on their own sites. I am hesitant to send the sword off to strangers. Thoughts? Also I have found out that Shinsa will be in Minneapolis this October. Submitting the blade there seems to make the most sense, but I have no idea of what costs are associated, or if this blade would be a good candidate for the process, though I believe so. Any guidance would very much appreciated. Thanks, David And, we have absolutely determined Nihoto NOT for dispatching marsupials?

Hello Ruben, In the for what it is worth category, I do not believe any honest desire for growth in your life is childish, or, if so, only in the best sense of that term. I had a friend in his mid thirties who moved to Japan to study rock gardens. He was accepted into a monastery, embraced and cherished within the community. The barriers of speech and culture pailed in comparison to his passion. He eventually married into a Japanese family and split the remainder of his life between the USA and Japan. He was killed two years ago in a car accident and his funeral was attended by many friends from Japan. In his case, life was infinitely richer because of his 'childish' desire. Best of luck, David P