Grey Doffin

Hi Tom, There are so many good books on kodogu (including tsuba) it's hard to pick out just a couple. The new 5 volume set:s Toogu Classroom, being published by the JSS/US and American & European branches of the NBTHK, is definitely a yes, especially given the reasonable cost. Tsuba Kanshoki (1975 edition) has captions in English and is well worth the price. The Art Appreciation of Japanese Sword Fittings is good for understanding the culture behind the art. Robert Haynes' Gai So Shi approaches the subject from an unusual angle and I can recommend it, an interesting read. Grey

The kingfisher is Nara School work. Grey

The show in 2018 will be August 3 to 5. I had a great time and did tons of business; by far the most swords I've ever sold at a show (it helps to have a pile of swords and tsuba new to the market). On a sad note: Harry Watson has suffered a stroke and is in the hospital. A card for him was circulated for all to sign. Hope for the best. Grey

Hi Guys, Having a great time at the show and swords are selling quickly. I think I brought about 25 to 30 of the 56 with me and maybe 6 or 7 are left (not sure; the swords are downstairs and the show isn't open now). When I get home I will start work to list the remaining blades but it will be a slow process (no, I won't be listing 56 swords next week :-). Wish you were here. Grey

When a knowledgeable dealer lists a piece on ebay with an inflated price he wants you to contact him so the 2 of you can agree to a price and he can save the ebay fees. Shill bidding to protect reserve is the most likely explanation for the 1st sale not taking. Grey

I believe the date is Eisho Roku Nen Ni Gatsu Hi. February of 1509. Grey

Hi Folks, I just took in 2 large collections: 56 swords and about 50 tsuba/kodogu. Some wonderful stuff here, new to the market, and not currently on my site. I will have all the new tsuba and many of the new swords at my table in San Francisco but i won't be able to take much of my current stock to the show. If there is a sword, fitting, or book on my site that you want to see at the show, and if you let me know before I pack Tuesday or Wednesday, I should be able to toss it in. If so, please send me an email: grey at japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com Thanks and stop by my table to say hello, Grey

Meeting happened: nice turnout, very friendly crowd (that's Minnesota for you), and some wonderful stuff to look at. A huge thank you to Joe. Grey

"old tosho tsuba given a new least of life with this decoration" So true. Grey

I believe it was Art of the Samurai from The Metropolitan Museum. http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/books/b475-art-samurai-metropolitan-museum Grey

I suspect made recently and possibly cast. Even if it is a bit older and not cast, it isn't anything wonderful But what do I know? Grey

Hi Sean, While the 2 volume compilation of English "Token Bijutsu" is a lot less expensive than the original 59 volumes, it is 500 pages total and the original 59 were about 2,500 pages. Not sure what all was left out but it has to be a lot. The original 59 aren't quite as steep as Ray has suggested; I've never sold a set above $1,700). It is a very important reference. Of the 2 books on your list by Kaap & Yoshihara: Art of the Japanese Sword and Craft of the Japanese Sword, Art is by far the better and once you own it there is no reason to own the other (duplication). Nihon Toko Jiten by Fujishiro hasn't been mentioned and it should have been. It isn't a beginner, introductory book but it is a book that every serious collector owns eventually; if you have a chance to grab it reasonably do so. There is a translation available. Mine is the website that some of the posts above have referenced. My phone # is at the bottom of every page and I'm always glad to talk books if you have questions. Grey

Hi guys, The distance between the machi and the mekugi-ana is standard: roughly 3 fingers for a katana and 4 fingers for a tachi. A study or studies have been done that show that this placement provides the best mechanical advantage. If the sword in question didn't conform to this norm it would raise questions. Grey.

Hi Chris, You could start with the Sasano book: http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/books/b671-sasano-Japanese-sword-guards-masterpieces-sasano-collection If that doesn't do it you're probably beyond hope. Grey

Ditto what John said about the kit: all you need is light oil and microfibre. Here is a care and etiquette site: http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm Grey

Hi Peter, Keep in mind that many modern tsuba have been leaving Japan disguised as older pieces lately. Grey

Try Sadatsugu. 定次 Grey

Hi Terri, Don't assume that none of your swords are valuable because of condition. A great sword in rotten condition can be quite valuable if the condition is repairable. Unlike with other collectibles where original, untouched condition is important, Japanese swords get polished to best show what they have and a well trained polisher can work wonders. Grey

Hi Terri, As Stephen is hinting, your sword began life as a naginata, a pole arm, and later was altered to make it into a wakizashi, medium length sword. This is not uncommon and it isn't considered a defect; there are many naginata naoshi wakizashi and some of them are treasures and quite valuable. Best anyone here can do at appraisal is a guess with clues from your photos, and that isn't much. It will require in-hand examination by someone with knowledge on the subject to get you a better idea what exactly you have. Grey

Even if the characters mean something they are upside down: easiest tell that this is a fake. Grey

If not you then your heirs and when the time comes to sell you will take a bath. Collectors looking to buy koshirae want antique and from Japan, not something put together yesterday in the west. Nothing wrong with doing it, even with papered pieces as long as you keep the papers with the koshirae; just so you understand what you're taking on. If you spend $1,000 for tsuba, fuchi/kashira, menuki, and what not, and then you pay craftsmen $2,000 to build the koshirae, when the time comes to sell you'll be lucky to get the $1,000 back. It makes better sense to buy the sword you want. If you want a sword in fine koshirae then look for one. If you buy smart, when the time comes to sell there will be no bath. Grey

Japanese sword shows in the US are cash economies; high 90 some % of business is folding money. Some dealers will take a card or paypal but I think they usually expect you to cover the fee. Grey

San Francisco August 4 to 6. http://www.ncjsc.org/SF_token_kai.htm Grey

Thank you Piers. It helps to know the hako-gaki matches the tsuba. Grey

Sorry Jay; I don't understand. Grey