Marius

Hector, You have done the right thing. And it’s kind of you to have shared your notes here. Kojima’s inclusion of Erez is interesting as such, because it tells is a bit about his (Kojima’s) character. My suspicion is that he has resigned to the thought that he won’t have a successor. Kojima san was always an incredibly demanding master, and not many people these days are ready to embark on a career as a sword smith. So Erez is probably the closest to the “real thing”. Then again, this is only what I think, and as such, it’s unimportant. It’s nice to talk, anyway 😊

@Alex A @Hector Gentlemen, of course Erez is not and will not be Naohiro, unless he becomes an apprentice of Kojima san and later gets licensed as a Japanese sword smith. Even if Kojima san (out of courtesy, as I suppose) calls him Sugi Naohiro, he does not belong in the lineage. At least that is what I think, and of course I might be wrong.

Fantastic deal! I highly recommend someone takes it. You won’t be disappointed, Curran’s tsuba are always great 😊

Gentlemen, Whatever tsuba you buy from Curran, it will be top notch. I still remember a stunning Umetada, an iconic ko-katchushi and a Norisuke with iron to die for. Curran's photos do not do his tsuba justice.

Thanks Adam. SOLD

On another note… The hamon is spectacular - it features the iconic kani-no-tsume (crab claws). Below is the work of Bizen Osafune Yosozaemon Sukesada with a hamon. It looks very similar to the hamon on this wakizashi. This is a solid Bizen blade. I doubt you will find another one for that price anytime soon. Ask me for more pics - I will gladly provide them in high resolution. Below are two pictures from a Sano Museum catalogue, showing a Bizen Osafune Yosozaemon Sukesada blade.

I will let it run only until Sunday midnight. So if you’re thinking about it, don’t think for too long ☺️

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More pics...

While noting special, this short wakizashi is typical for Sukesada of the late Muromachi period. The blade has been shortened and dimensions are now: Nagasa: 42 cm Ksane: 0.7 cm Motohaba: 2.8 cm I will get the sakihaba later, apologies. The blade is in good, if not ideal polish, and can be enjoyed as is, with all the typical characteristics of Sukesada clearly visible. It has one fukure, that could be polished out (not that I would recommend investing in this blade). The wakizashi comes in a utilitarian but quite nice koshirae. Very good quality fuchi, horn kashira, non-descript menuki, black urushi saya with some scratches etc, and a charming, late Muromachi period katschushi tsuba (great patina on this one). Interestingly, someone in the past must have highly valued this sword, as it has an expensive two pieces habaki, gold and silver-foiled. A nice package for only: $650 (EUR 600) plus shipping I call that a bargain (or tart, if you will).

Narcissus menuki have SOLD

HOLD

Still available.

The reduced Hotei has SOLD BTW, there will be no reductions. Just try to get a decent menuki for what I am asking

Number 1 - shishi menuki, shakudo are now SOLD

Thank you Danny

All purchased books were sent today. I will send tracking numbers to the respective buyers tomorrow.

Thanks, Curran. Good eye, sir. BTW, all purchases were sent today. I will send Tracking numbers to the buyers tomorrow.

Depth is 21.5 cm It has housed a nakago of 19.7cm I have found add copper seppa made specially for this tsuka. New and without patina.

Thank you Peter. I guess if someone wanted just the fuchi/kashira, they would have to pay more than what I am asking.

Gentleman, I am back from a trip. All books are now packed and ready for shipping. I will ship them tomorrow, Tuesday 12th May. Thank you for your patience, and, most of all, for your contribution to the NMB

Gents, thanks for your patience. I am back from a trip. All sold menuki are now packed and will be shipped tomorrow, Tuesday 12th May. Apologies for the delay and thank you for your purchase

Very nice katana tsuka with copper fuchi/kashira by Manuel Coden. Menuki are old. length: 28.5 cm Fuchi 4 x 2.3cm, nakago ana 0.8 x 2.2cm Kashira 3.6 x 2.0cm $150 plus shipping (EU will be cheap, US will be 50 bucks by Fedex)

Just to make it clear - @kissakai bought the tanto size shishi Number 1 shishi are still available.

US-BUYERS, PLEASE READ before committing to a purchase: As the Polish Post won't ship anything to the US (except for documents) please be aware that the cheapest courier service will cost $60. I should probably change currency to EUR...