matthewbrice

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.

The two photos of the signature loaded onto this thread in reverse order—so the third photo is the top part of the signature, and the second photo is the bottom part of the signature. —Matt

Hello. I picked up a Kaei period wall gun. I could use help translating the signature. Hopefully someone here can assist. Thank you in advance! —Matt Brice

Just an FYI for collectors of Japanese military swords--I just listed a model 1883 Naval Officer's Kyu-gunto in the For Sale section. I know they are hard to find, so wanted to take a moment to let those interested it was there to check out. Thank you! --Matt Brice

It is a repro/fantasy item. --Matt

If someone is looking for their first (or second) short gunto, I decided to switch my short gunto from a fixed price listing to an auction. The auction ends Sunday. Here is the link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/114216153943 --Matthew Brice St. Croix Blades

I have one up for sale right now. Unfortunately, as is oftentimes the case, the leather combat cover didn't last the years since the War. Here is the link to the listing and photos: https://www.ebay.com/itm/362947947448 As can be seen in the photos, this is not some post-War made-up 'pilot's sword'--you can see the ito is original. Not a fabulous blade, but this is definitely another example for this thread on short gunto. --Matt Brice

Hi Dave. Yes, the sword has two functioning mekugi-ana. —Matt

Hi Neil. My sword is not dated. Here are some photos to add to the conversation. —Matt www.StCroixBlades.com