Davis

Two puzzles solved in less than a week. I would never have found that information. Thank you very much Piers. Brilliant.

Thanks Piers. On this subject, my books, like my knowledge are very rudimentary. The information you've provided is new to me and very welcome. It would be interesting to see your carving.

I just can't get a good picture today. I've tried to read it but can't. If possible Piers could you Romanize it as I have some books listing artists in that way.

There is Piers, although I can't read it, perhaps you can help again? I'll try and get a decent photo.

Thanks, pins it down even more. Agree with remarks re blade quality. What puzzled me was the description of this lot which was in a specialised sale. Dagger, not sure whether bone or ivory, staghorn not considered. These are some damaged ivory and a small bone section that I have. They were of very little value but are now virtually worthless following the recent legislation. I think some skill was needed to put the character into the little mans face, two inches tall.

Thanks Piers, I thought you might provide the answer. I agree with you both, even at a quick glance, staghorn. Interestingly this was at a sale of "Oriental Works of Art" at a very good auction house

I acquired this years ago and still don't have a clue what the pursuits are, random carvings of everyday life or is there a story being told? Anyone have any ideas?

Top row, third right was used as a template for the cupboard below. There were another six tsuba in a drawer. One of these was carp and waterfall, which was used as the other template. All were covered in a protective barrier of grime and nicotine. Unfortunately I don't have the top section or the tsuba.

Thanks, an interesting subject with some unusual examples. This one is of a cupboard in daily use.

I once owned two tanto that were almost identical to yours. Also over the years I have encountered a good number of others, very similar, almost generic. I've concluded probably wrongly, that they were produced and put together in large numbers in a specific region during a very narrow time frame, (Meiji)? With all the examples I've seen the hilts were beautifully wrapped and always very well preserved, perhaps indicative of age?

Back in the 80's I remember that a privately ran military museum closed and consigned it's entire contents to auction. One of the lots was a sword with a brass plaque attached stating that it had been surrendered on the Missouri. Whether this was authentic I don't know and I no longer have details of that auction. Some senior officers did acquire batches of swords and distribute them. Lord Mountbatten was one such. Pre WW2 he had visited Japan with the then Prince of Wales and was known to have some knowledge of swords. At wars end he acquired many hundreds of the best surrendered swords. It seemed he enjoyed presenting them both officially and informally. Many were fitted with good quality silver plaques screwed to the saya and inscribed with the recipients name. Basil Robinson, then a British Army Officer, together with a Japanese Officer were assigned the task of grading some of these swords.

Was Peter a member of the board? I believe that he was but not under his real name. Either that or someone contributed to discussions on his behalf.

Postcard 1905

Just seen this. I knew Peter from the late sixties onwards. In those days his trademarks were his old sheepskin jacket and his jet black hair worn in an unusual fashion. He seemed to be at every auction I ever attended, from the very best in London to the local scout hut in the middle of nowhere. He came to my home several times over the years and I sold him a number of swords. His love of swords was only exceeded by his love for his dogs. My wife and I visited him one Sunday, between showing me his swords he was busy cooking a huge roast chicken for them. I couldn't help but notice that they were well overfed. We didn't always see eye to eye but I found him a most interesting person.

Nearly 40 years ago I wrote to Manfred Rommel to ask him if he knew what had happened to his father's Japanese sword. In a friendly reply he told me that it had been looted along with other items by American troops in 1945. Regards Rommel's gallantry awards, they were kept in a vault and verified as such by British author David Irving. Rommel's caravan was and still might be in the Imperial War Museum. In which was displayed a portrait photograph of Rommel, placed there by Bernard Montgomery. Apparently Montgomery put the caravan to good use and used it himself for the duration of the war. Mick

Some years ago I sustained a head injury which which subsequently left me with a number of problems. Sometimes even the most simplest things in life I find most difficult. Communicating with others is a case in point. Sometimes I cause offence when none is intended. That aside, even with a depleted I.Q. I can still appreciate great humour. You've really cheered me up lads.

Thanks Steve and Piers. Mick

An interesting suggestion Piers. Steve, assuming that Piers is correct, could it be that the then owner of this weapon inscribed his master's name onto it, before taking it into battle? Mick

Steve, could the final kanji read as Hiro? Mick

Thanks Steve, I must admit I've been struggling with this. At least it's a bit clearer now. Mick

I have a yari with a red lacquered bo-hi, into which has been scratched an inscription. Over time this has partially worn away. Can anyone read what remains? Any help would be appreciated. Mick

Interesting. Thanks. Mick

Thanks very much Gordon, the problem was with my poor computing skills. I've watched it again and thought that Nick delivered a very polished presentation and the film conveyed the stunning beauty of the sword. Hopefully, it will have created some very positive interest with the viewing public. Mick

I asked myself the same question Brian. Reminded me very much of another TV programme "Dealers" in which a well known dealer offered a pair of swords. Thanks Gordon although for some reason that link didn't work for me. At the end of the show we were told that Andrew Lamberty had sold the sword to a museum in America, I wonder which one! Mick

Did anyone else in the UK see the above TV programme? It showed, I believe, a fellow board member of this forum selling a sword to a London dealer for a hefty sum. I've just got home and too tired at the moment to provide a link but if you google the above and look at episode 4 you might get it. Regards Mick