Dr Fox

Following in this theme, a collection I was involved with, had arrow heads in it. These are now in auction with Bonhams London on the 26 of this month.

Now with 329 views? George this is not just difficult, it appears its impossible! If its of any use as a hint, the smith was Mori Kunitoshi. But still might not be relevant.

Thanks for that James. And totally agree your second thought.

Quite a few of the items there, are from a friend who passed, and I viewed them with a view to values, so James due to a lack of photographic images, I think you sighting items prior to sale is a good idea. I think I should add, I have registered for online bidding, so as James said, there could be a steal.

The Bonhams auction in on the 26th Nov. Many Samurai items are there. Catalogue in now showing online.

And I heard you Ron, I just don't listen. But Im working on it , honest!!

Like Brian I also don't think a nipple has broken off, but it is as intended. Here is my penny worth. The hammer had a device which fitted into the recess, the device held an explosive 'pill'. Upon release the hammer trapped the pill between itself and the vent. the resulting explosive jet, fired the in barrel charge. The pill holder was replaceable, due to erosion caused by hot gases, thus leaving the hammer intact. Must go now time for my medication.

Steve I am also wondering what they are too, and I don't think I am alone!

It is very refreshing to see that some one has started right. Study the subject until you are confident, then place yourself and your hard earned in the hands of those who know. This really does avoid the case for act in haste repent at leisure! Even if you get nothing else, what a great example of the hobby you now own. Enjoy and congrats.

Jonas The problem is that although there are some very clever folks on here, its a matter of advising you from photos. Its a different thing to having the item in hand. As to worrying about doing damage I agree entirely. You are the guy on the spot here, but if I were to say anything its this. The nakago must be protected, but all other coverings can be renewed, so picking away at the wood tsuka would not give me any pain, so slow and steady wins the race!

Simon thats all that matters.

Peter Sorry if what has been said already, may not be what you were hoping to hear. Never the less its all been good advice, the sword will not present well, even in photographs it comes across as mutilated, and obviously not an item on which you will get an easy sale. Sending it anywhere for more advice is a waste of time, and money, you saved both by posting here. If you enjoy it, keep it.

Can I ask? It has not been mentioned yet, but what kind of sword is it we are sorting here? I for one would like to now, it would give meaning to the effort being expended here. Awaiting with baited breath.

See the post by Marius. Moron/Abuse tie in well together. Saya scratching follow the lines of the blade, chopping marks move from 'ha' to 'mune'.The chips and damage to the cutting edge can be attributed to the 'moron'. In the hands of a good polisher this blade will look 10 times better than now. I mention this, as one of your questions was Value and Worth? Only you can fairly answer that one!

Ughhh Well its fair to say that neither I, or others who offered help here, whilst being blind to images, could have foreseen this presentation. Are there mekugi pegs, or peg under there? Its hard to say. I might even agree, that an attempt here has been made to solidly fix the tsuka to the nakago, if that is the case then, it could lead to the destruction of the tsuka wood to expose the nakago! I am still onside to drill out the mess carefully, a little at a time and s l o w l y, remember there is steel in there somewhere. Getting to the nakago is a job in itself, but then consider if this compound is hard and fast, cleaning the nakago to search for details will be another obstacle. I at this point cannot help further, but wish you well in your endeavours.

At this moment, I like Stephen can't see how the same can have moved over the peg. But what I would look at is the possibility of 'drawing' the peg, as opposed to driving it out. Obtain a small drill, centre into the peg for a small distance, then turn in a wood screw that is just oversize to the pilot hole. Having got the screw gripping, attempt with a grip to draw the peg out in a straight line towards you. You are dealing with a non valuable replaceable peg. If you are successful the tsuka should come off. Then examine. I would not like to poke or pry the same side, as it could chip and break away. It has been necessary in the past to drill and pick out mekugi. Carefully done, it can be successful.

Hi Jonas I think what you mean is that mekugi peg is hidden behind the 'ito' (wrap) not under the 'same' (rayskin)! Can you clarify to get the real answer to your problem?

To buy a sword with this defect, I would expect the price, to have an allowance for the remedial work to be costed in. That in itself could make a sale a non starter. Unless this blade came to me at a ridiculous offer, I would pass on it. There is no shortage of no-trouble swords out there, even papered examples. There is always a danger with buying swords, that are not in hand. It is a risk, there is no substitute for the buyer examination. Chris pointing to the possibility of a low score on shinsa, answers well as to expected condition of any blade.

Thanks for your response Chris. Where can I see images of his work on yari, failed to turn any up. Thanks.

Hi KM As a drowning man clutching at straws in respect of kanji, have you developed this tool further and what is your result ratio? I am having limited success, and most of that is guess or standard symbols such as saku etc. Not getting very far. Cheers.

Thank you Jean. Moving on, I have compared this mei to the only other examples I could find, and thats only on swords. Does anyone have a considered view on the validity of the mei? And is the spear of the right time period for this smith?. Not being a yari man, I must confess to admiring the work on this one.

Hi John try 'Polishers marks' and Polishers signatures' Cheers.

It depends on what you take 'fake' to mean. Yes it is a sword so its not fake. Will it hurt you, you betcha so that also makes it real. Does it pretend to be a wakizashi, no. Yes it does have some Japanese influence, but not many and not serious. So is it only, when it is offered as a Japanese sword, it becomes a fake? Or until then is it just a bad copy? But it is fair to say, call it what you want, it is NOT nihonto!

Looking for help. Did Taikei Naotane forge yari? I ask because I have a yari, which I thought reads so. Any overall comments will be well received. Thanks.

Seppa are basically 'shims' and can be added or subtracted according to taste. I often add/remove tsuba to suit the sword age, or sympathy with the existing fittings. Because of this I have a collection of different seppa to hand. They can be purchased easily and as modern items can be tailored to suit. I don't use materiel seppa ever, but add new metals to either side of the tsuba, leaving your original seppa showing to both outsides of tsuba. Whatever method you use, if you find the mekugi ana in tsuka and nakago don't line up, do not drive the mekugi to achieve this! You aim to end up with the mekugi being a stiff push in by your thumb, you are only fitting to avoid rattle.