matthewbrice

In fact, I just found the guy’s notes on parts of the sayagaki he thought he could read. See photo. But, as I said, I’ll get some more informed help from a Japanese speaker here on the forum. —Matt

Sorry about the Sadanao time period description. That shape—combined with a guy that reads a little Japanese (but obviously not well) told me the sayagaki said Nanbokucho. Here’s what I’ll do to clear up that description—I’ll post the sayagaki photo in the translation section here on the nmb. Then I’ll get the listing description changed once I get the full translation. Thanks guys! —Matt

Hi Luis. The Yasuyoshi is legit. Also, as you know Luis, most auction houses rarely have a Japanese expert on staff. They accept consignments, and auction off items for sale. We collectors and dealers do our research on items we bid on ourselves. This is the case with most auctions that deal in varied collectibles categories. —Matt

Hi Jeremy. Sofe Design Auctions features 20-50 Japanese swords probably two times a year. This is a bigger one of the biggest ones. Thanks Jeremy! --Matt

Hi Dan. I’ll be set up there yes with three tables. See you there! —Matt

If the description wasn’t noted correctly (I hadn’t looked)—40 pts. was the smith’s rating in Hawleys. 👍🏻 —Matt

Definitely go to the San Francisco sword show in August, and if you spring for a flight and hotel—the Chicago sword show. Can be as many as 100 shin gunto at each show. All able to be examined in person. 👍🏻 —Matt www.StCroixBlades.com

Hi John. You’re right—I forgot about that one. Yes, that sword is mine as well. 😁 —Matt

Hi Bruce. Yes, I love those Iida latch swords. BTW—I’m getting that blade polished. The blade is going to be a stunner. Killer hamon. I figure it should be back from the polisher in 3 months or so. —Matt

No problem! —Matt

Auction notice for an upcoming auction that has LOTS of Japanese swords in it (along with Southeast Asian items). Yes, I personally have a number of swords in this auction. And yes, I have MANY desirable swords in this auction. But there are probably 75 more Japanese swords, fittings, kabuto, etc. in this auction. A great selection. It's worth taking a look at I think. Just a few of the swords I personally have in this auction are: --2 Chinese Army General's kyu-gunto swords (not dress swords) --a katana by 5th Generation Tadayoshi, papered --NBTHK papered Nanbokucho katana by Sadanao, polished by Bob Benson, sayagaki by Tanobe sensei --papered Kamakura katana, attributed to Ko Naminohira --Yasukuni Shrine sword by Yasuyoshi --large papered Koto period jumanji yari --a Naval kai-gunto, Koto period blade, never been to shinsa --NBTHK papered gendaito by Baba Tsugukiyo --polished mumei wakizashi with exceptional fittings, and spectacular lacquer-work saya, never been to shinsa --etc. Here is the link to the auction site: https://bid.sofedesignauctions.com/ Again though, there are LOTS more Japanese swords and Japanese art in this auction. It's a loaded auction! --Matthew Brice

Thank you for your help! Very kind of you. —Matt

Hello. If someone would happen to have a minute to read this flag, I would really appreciate it. Thank you! --Matt

Here is the link: https://stcroixblades.com/shop/Japanese-swords/ Thank you. --Matthew Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

Some other Plimpton Collection swords will be listed soon. Next is another near-mint sword pictured in the book--a beautiful premium condition/premium paint aluminum handle NCO sword. Many more to go... --Matthew Brice https://stcroixblades.com/shop/Japanese-swords/

Hello fellow collectors and dealers. St. Croix Blades purchased around 50 of the John Plimpton Collection swords 9-10 months ago. Around half of these swords have been stowed away since I purchased them. I'll be listing swords from this collection periodically over the next months. As you may have read, each sword is the actual sword photographed for the book which comes out hopefully this Fall. So if you missed out on the swords from this fine collection, or if you want to pick up another, let me know. The first sword will is to be listed in about 15 minutes in the For Sale section of the nmb. Thanks. --Matthew Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

Here is a convenient link to the site: https://stcroixblades.com/shop/Japanese-swords/ Enjoy. --Matthew Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

That's $300 of THE General's tassel pictured in Jim Dawson's Military Swords book. $440 off the Masanaga gendai sword recently discussed in the 'Translation Help' section on the nmb. Masanaga was also a Minatogawa Shrine swordsmith. $22.50 off a Company Grade tassel. $5.90 off a sword care kit. And $640 off! a Yasukuni Shrine sword by Yasuyoshi. Come take a look and the new prices. Sale ends Sunday night. https://stcroixblades.com/shop/Japanese-swords/ --Matthew Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

14 New swords, tassels, etc. just listed. …plus, it’s another ‘Make An Offer Weekend’ on the site! Contact us to make an offer. https://stcroixblades.com/shop/Japanese-swords/ —Matthew Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

Hi Thomas. All I had available to me as a non-Japanese language speaker was google translate. The translation I received there was: Nanao Sword Training Dojo. So reconciling with the Seven Lives Forge alternative explanation--the inscription either refers to Seven Lives Forge...or, to the Nanao Sword Training Dojo? If the inscription does refer to the sword dojo--was the sword likely made as a Special Order for the sword training dojo? --Matt

Thank you Trystan. ☝️ —Matt

If anyone would like to see the other pictures of this sword, here is the link: https://stcroixblades.com/shop/products/masanagajapanese-ww2-samurai-army-sword-1944-mounts-type-3-gendai-ties-to-m/ —Matt

You have all been so helpful. Thank you! Ok, so to summarize, Tosho smiths who worked at the Minatogawa Shrine when making Naval swords worked at a nearby forge to fulfill special orders. This nearby forge was called 'Seven Lives' Forge? Or was the forge called 'Seven Lives Dedicated to Country' forge? I certainly may not have this correct--so seeking a clarification if you guys can weigh in. Thanks again gentlemen! --Matt

Hi Bruce. Yes, it is dated. I have attached a photo. --Matt www.StCroixBlades.com

Hi Thomas. Thank you for the translation help! Using Google translate, it appears that 七生刀鍛錬道場 translates to Nanao Sword Training Dojo. Is that what you read, Thomas? As to your question, yes, I just looked at the mune. The arabic number '17' is stamped there. I have attached a photo. Thank you for your help, Thomas! --Matt Brice