CurtisR

This Tsuba was fitted to a sword obviously made for the tourist trade, I'm guessing mid-1950's. Possibly earlier, but the Tsuba strikes me as earlier. Anyone have a guess as to it's age or theme? Thanks! Curtis R.

For Keith - yes, that was my mistake...this IS the same photo I posted for the Tokugawa mon question...I apologize. The Tokugawa blade is free from active rust, and the photo above DOES belong to this blade. I've had a difficult time somewhat in separating the images. I do have others - now in their own file - for the Mon piece and will post it's blade & fittings later. Similar blade shape, but thinner and no rust such as above. And Surfson, the two could be twins! Different activity in the Hamon of course, but very similar in size, shape and signature. Did you sent it to Japan for polish? For Mdiddy; I will check this area very carefully this coming Tuesday when I get back into his "chamber of secret swords" Again, sorry for the confusion. The blade with the rust is in an old rosewood (saya) and I'll post more of the Tokugawa tomorrow for consideration. Cheers! Curtis

Thank you Mr. Jorgensen! I'm sorry for not including measurements....will do so in a day or two when it's back in-hand! Seems to be an O-Tanto vs. a Wakizashi to me, but more to follow. The metal work was done quite well....will look into the hamon also & re-photograph. Best Regards, Curtis R.

Mr. Bowen and Huntershooter ~ Thank you for the info so far! I've done some cropping/re-sized of the possible hagiri and to me, it looks to be rust. I didn't notice it in-hand, but will make sure next week. I believe is is only rust as well but will use a loupe on that area next time just to be sure.. Are there any *good*,non0destructive ways to clean this rust, or can you recommend someone here in the U.S.? Here are the two extra pics....

And a couple more....

Greetings all, As I made my way through my friend's treasure trove of blades, he showed me this one. Unfortunately, it was at his shop and very busy that day (like with a couple of others I've posted recently) and these are the best I could get, and forgot to measure the blade, etc. but will resolve that soon. Any opinions as to age or school would be very helpful (he's thinking of selling them either separately or as a collection and I recommended he begin by listing them here, but have to know what he's selling first :D . Unfortunately, I am not in the $ position to grab 'em. Regardless, the saya seems to be of rosewood, and it is missing the Tsuba. Many thanks! Curtis R.

Jean, I've learned to answer to just about anything (in the law enforcement field) , but yea Hada was not quite what I meant lol. Also, any suggestions for the active red rust on the blade? I oiled it well w/ choji, but I'm betting the only 'cure' would be to have it polished......broke my heart when I took it out of the saya and saw it. I'll post pics of the blade in the Nihonto section today. I've "boned" on Tsuba before but know not to on a blade.... Best, Curtis

Thank you Thomas - that's a great hint! I just wish I had it in-hand now, but the owner has agreed to let me photograph it better and to bring it to a more controlled environment. Regardless, I will take my time as you say. When I told my Sensei that I was learning about Nihonto & Tosogu, he said "get ready to fall down the rabbit hole" :D . Now I truly am beginning to understand! More to follow! Curtis

Sorry - good point Jean. And I meant "Hamon". Curtis

Thanks to all for their translation, and I agree Geriant - especially when it's in-hand...the hara is beautiful as is the hamon. I thought, based on the aging of the nagako vs. the age of the brass (and that brass was used!) that it was probably a re-mount but wanted to run it by minds and experience much greater than mine :D . Seems like I am learning though! Any thoughts on why it would be decorated with the Mon? I suppose if it was re-mounted to sell to a tourist, it was long after the Clan lost power so was o.k. to do perhaps? Many thanks! Curtis

Sorry for the delay...work is such a nuisance, eh? :D Anyway, thanks to Chris and everyones hints, here's what I've come up with: The kiku is from (Mamoru) Fujiwara - shinto? The rest translates, as far as I can tell to "Morning sunrise, mountain road divides Tajima thunder" --- am I even close? I have not hit the Spoilers yet...seeing if I can get in the ballpark first :D .

Ok - going to give it a try myself...with the clearer layout I just might get somewhere :D . AND I won't look @ the spoiler until I get it or give in! Thanks guys! Curt R.

Greetings - can anyone tell me, even in part, what the inscription reads from the kozuka? I believe it's late Koto period (tip of my hat to those here for their info on that subject) but I've been unable to match any of the kanji through my ref. books. Thanks in advance and cheers! Curtis R.

This Kozuka was in the saya of a koto-period blade...I know the Chrysanthemum is significant, but am wondering what it means, as well as the inscription (may have to go to "Translation Help for that). The work is beautiful, and it has been well taken care of. The owner (before I met him) rubbed talcum powder into the kanji. I'm thinking he should remove this ASAP?? The theme appears to be an Eagle or Hawk... Any thoughts or info. are greatly appreciated. I suspect he'll be selling it one day................. Thanks in advance, Curtis R.

Thank you Kunitaro san --- I did not know of the double vs. single as an indicator of age. I suspected it was very good metals used to make it. The owner will be very pleased :D :D ! Best Regards, Curtis R.

Thanks Jean, will do! Kunitaro san, I agree - he purchase the sword from someone who did not treat it well at all (as you say - probably for the last 50 yrs.) but I'm working with him to preserve what IS left of the koshirae. The Kitsune menuki is very pretty and it kills me that one is missing. Doing what we can though...there is little rust on the blade, at least! I will be interested to see if - after posting better photos - those here will think it worthy of papering down the road. I am learning very much,and thank you all! Curtis R.

Thank you Kunitaro san! The owner will be very pleased (as am I since when I held it - as a novice to collecting - it felt like a very good sword and almost still in decent polish, still. I could also tell that the owner had taken good care of it,, as has it's new owner. Jean, I love that camera! I'll still get some additional shots this weekend and post them for you all. It is best that I learn what is needed here for a good kantei . One more question - may I post a photo of the Kozuka with this post? It is heavily inscribed and beatidully made, but I'll only post the Omote (I believe) side if it's not in violation. I believe it to be original to the swords as well. Best, Curtis R.

Greetings all, This wakizashi Tsuba is - I believe - made from Yamagane? The f/k are attributed to "Tadamichi (kao)" and signed, but the Tsuba is not. Diameter of the width of the Tsuba is approx. 8cm, and the thickness is 3 cm.and it's very heavy in the hand. Personally, I enjoy the simple theme of it - the work under a loupe appears to be engraved. The sword it is mounted on is late Koto, but not sure about the Tsuba. The Habaki appears to be gold foil, as well? I am a novice, so am trying to learn as much as possible..... Any thoughts as to maker, period, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Best Regards, Curtis R.

Thank you Moriyama san and Thomas - the steel has beautiful Hada and Hamon, to my very novice eye. I'll post more of the blade itself in "Nihonto" section. Has anyone heard of this smith before, by the way? Under a loupe, the kanji are engraved well & doesn't appear to be a chinese fake. Many thanks, Curtis R.

Thank you Jean & Kunitaro san - I'll be happy to post photos of the requested portions...I will probably ask him to bring it to my home where I can control the environment and use my Nikon D7000 vs. a point & shoot . Look for more pics under this topic soon! Apologies - hopefully Saturday :D .

Here is another Wakizashi - I know it's been re-mounted into the brass, due to the original mekugi ana but and wondering if anyone recognizes the signature? Also included the Hamon / kissaki for fun. And yes, it IS red rust at the edge...not good at all but at least it's oiled now. Many thanks, Curits R.

Here are several more....

Greetings all, The mei on the nagako has been translated "Bishu mihara ju Masasada" (late Koto period). The Habaki is gold foil, and the menuki is, I believe , the Kitsune (trickster fox). It is owned by a friend who is considering papering at kantai and/or selling it. Oh, and it has a beautifully made Kozuka with what is possibly a prayer inscribed. The Saya is cracked and may be a re-make, although the samegawa is beautiful and probably original. The fittings are signed on the Fuchi "Tadamichi (kao)" and the Tsuba is subtle yet beautiful and of yamagane (sp?) if I am correct. The Bohi on the blade is in (per my book, anyway) "Futasuji-bi" form. Overall length is approx. 63cm. Any input as to condition, value,, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Cheers! Curtis R. PS: I apologize for the photos....the light was poor and I had limitad time with the sword. I can certainly get more if anyone would like....

kunitaro san, Thank you very much for your opinion and input...the Wakizashi IS beautiful (to me) and I will be posting the full photo array in the Nihonto section within the hour. The owner was very happy! Sincere Regards, Curtis R.

Thank you Mr. Bowen! I will research them further...posting pics of the blade (which has one Bohi on the Omote side and two on the Ura....can't recall the name of this style but it's in my books) tomorrow in the "Nihonto" section, and a couple of Tsuba (including from this blade) in the "Tosogu" section for critique. Cheers! Curtis R.