matthewbrice

Hello. Can anyone read grass writing? I could really use your help. Thank you! —Matt www.StCroixBlades.com

Thanks for the question Hugh. No—I don’t tinker and work on items I pick up. I buy and sell as they are found. Since I make a living buying and selling swords, I don’t have the time a collector would to spend on projects. Sure, many collectors are super busy too. Those that can afford it, can choose to buy swords already polished and papered. Other collectors collect swords that might have some staining on a blade, because they might not have the income for all polished and papered swords. Other collectors take advantage of lower prices—like on this Iida type that is missing a simple spring—and locate one...and once complete, they know that got a deal on what would have otherwise been much more expensive. —Matt

Ah yes. That is the smith. Thank you. This is a Shinto period, old family blade.

Hello. I have an Iida Lock gunto for sale. This blade is an old Koto blade—by 10-pt smith Sadahiro. It is wakizashi length—23 3/16”. This sword was just purchased from the veteran’s family last week. The veteran’s Service papers come with the sword. While the blade could use a polish, in hand I can see the entire hamon. The spring is missing from the Iida saya cap so it doesn’t have that snap. While a bit disappointing, the right replacement spring would cost less than $1. This sword is available for $5900. —Matt Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

Price lowered to $5995.

1 antique 18th century Japanese wakizashi available. This fine antique Japanese sword would make an important acquisition for any collection. This sword was papered by the NBTHK, and has Toku kicho papers. The sword is signed Fujita Omi no Kami Tsuguhira. This sword is dated ‘Horeki 1754 in Spring at Toto’. The blade measures 54.5 cm from blade tip to notch in the blade spine. This sword is mounted in new shirasaya, and has been polished. So, already polished--new Shirasaya made--already papered...money, and time saved. CONDITION: This sword is in new polish. $2625 shipped to anywhere in the world

Hi Greg. I just posted the next set of koshirae that I mentioned for sale. This one with papered, shakudo and gold Goto fittings. Thank you, Greg. —Matthew Brice www.StCroixBlades.com

1 fine NTHK-NPO Goto tosogu wakizashi koshirae available. The owner asked the shinsa group to evaluate the fuchi/kashira. The signed fuchi/kashira were affirmed by the shinsa group to be by Goto Mitsunaga. These tosogu are fine shakudo nanako with gold clan mon. These are exceptional fuchi/kashira. The shakudo horse menuki are beautiful—these may prove to be Goto as well. The koshirae are in such fine condition, that we found it hard to justify removing the menuki to get a look at their backs. This koshirae has a wood tsunagi that was fashioned after the original sword blade. The blade measures 52.4 cm. $3300

Hello Greg. Thank you. Another nihonto message board member agreed with you, and has agreed to buy this koshirae. I quite like it myself. The next koshirae to be listed...wakizashi koshirae with papered and signed Goto shakudo fuchi/kashira, and fine shakudo horse menuki. --Matt www.StCroixBlades.com

Very fine gold and shakudo Hosakawa motif tanto koshirae available. This koshirae has a elaborate matching Namban iron fuchi, kashira, and tsuba. The finely carved shakudo handle wrap is of the same matching design. The Hosakawa menuki are fine shakudo and gold. The fuchi, kashira, and tanto each have a dragon in their intricate carving. This koshirae holds a 9” to 12” tanto blade. CONDITION: This rare koshirae is in exceptional condition. $2400

1 antique Japanese WW2 Yasukuni Shrine sword by Yasushige available. This fine antique Japanese Yasukunito sword would make an important acquisition for any collection. The blade measures 66.8 cm (26 5/16") from blade tip to notch in the blade spine. This sword is mounted in shirasaya. There are no longer any army mounts with this sword. This Yasukunito sword has NBTHK papers already—a nearly $1000 cost (when sent from the U.S. to Japan), and a many months-long process. Condition: This fine Yasukuni Shrine sword is in original, very fine WW2 polish. There are no nicks, and there is no pitting of any kind. In fact, the blade only has a very occasional micro finish scratch. The blade needs no polish, which is a significant savings in time and money as well. $6500 obo

My name is Matthew Brice--I own St. Croix Blades. I am a U.S.-based dealer of Japanese Swords. I have been buying and selling Japanese swords for over 10 years. I am a table-holder at the Japanese Sword shows in the U.S.--so if you find yourself in Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, or Orlando during show time, look me up! My swords are available for sale online via my site: http://www.StCroixBlades.com. I also sell on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=stcroixblades&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313&_nkw=Japanese+sword&_sacat=0. Note that I always have an inventory of swords on hand that have not yet been listed...so some of my customers know to inquire what's not yet out there for sale. You may want to as well. I specialize in military swords--gendaito, Yasukunito, early mounts, rare mounts--as well as showato, and arsenal blades. I buy and sell nihonto from all eras as well. And I have a special interest in finding Kamakura and Nanbokucho era daito that have so far gone unidentified. I enjoy selling Japanese swords, but...my special passion is BUYING Japanese swords. My favorite thing is to be contacted by a collector or family member, and coming home with 10 or 100 swords to be added to my inventory! If you have a collection of swords to sell; if you wish to sell just a few swords to fund other purchases; or if you are in need of appraisals, contact me at info@stcroixblades.com, or via phone/text at 715-557-1688. Kindly, --Matthew Brice

Thank you, Steve. I appreciate your help. It is very kind of you. —Matt

Ok. Thanks Brian. —Matt

Thank you, Steve. Right. The thread had gone stagnate for 24 hours. So this gave the topic new life. Your translation is very helpful, Steve. Thank you. Can I ask—do you fee as well, that the signature says that it was from an order of 5 guns? And second, do you know if this gun was in fact made by the son of the great Ikkan-sai Kunitomo smith? Looking forward to hearing your comments, Steve. Thank you. —Matt

Hello. I would be very appreciative if someone could read the kanji written below the date on this signature. Thank you in advance! —Matt Brice

😁. Thank you for your help at this late hour. —Matt

Thank you so much, Bugyotsuji. Can you tell what is meant by the 1 of 5 reference in the signature? I hesitate to guess—did the daimyo order 5 of these guns at the same time? —Matt

The barrel measures 69.5 cm long. Here are a quick couple snapshots—the overview photo on my exercise room carpet rug photo doesn’t due it fair justice. The other two photos more fairly represent the gun.

It’s inner muzzle diameter is 1.9 cm. Sure appreciate your help with this! —Matt

Yes, I’ll measure the diameter now.

Not the regular musket or carbine type. Double or triple the weight.

Oh—well, are they referred to by some as ‘temple guns’? The large barrel tanegashima. Weighs about 15 lbs.