Marius

Of course it does.

I have meant Guido's description, so I have modified my post accordingly.

Sadly, Guido's acerbic description is absolutely correct.

Thanks, Darcy Interesting as always.

My questions are never honest. They serve very dark purposes

Gents, I wonder what your experience and feelings are regarding the nihonto market in the past and future. This affects all of us collectors who will want to realize the value of their stuff at some point. I would divide the market into four segments (my criteria are admittedly arbitrary) low-end: up to $3,000 mid-range: $3,000 - $10,000 upper range: $10,000-$50,000 top range: from $50,000 upward What would you say has the market done in each of those segments in the last 5-10 years and where do you see it going in the next 5 years? I would appreciate the input of those who deal in swords, in their respective segments. I am thinking of making a regular survey regarding this, but perhaps for the time being this simple post will be sufficient? Thanks for your input

The horimono tells you a lot about the quality of this sword.

The handle seems to be an integral part of the sword. Just like in the case of kenukigata tachi.

http://www.Japanese-buddhism.com/fudo-myo-o.html a a nice picture: http://www.nybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/fudo-myoo.jpg

This is a true gentleman's art of understatement

A Soshu Nambokucho blade attributed to a great smith with Tokubetsu Hozon? This one is a bargain, gentlemen.

Gotta love this Kozori Hidemitsu tachi. Wow!

Michael, this one will be tough You may want to call it Shoami. Iron + silver inlays = Shoami. Those grab bags make life so easy May I also remark that you may want to put this in the sale section? Also, a description of your tiger daisho menuki would be very desirable. I have never seen anything quite like that. This really calls for an attribution

C'mon, people! What is the matter with this fear of shingane? Most old swords have it, as most old and well used swords are tired. Sometimes we are looking at shingane without even knowing what we see, because the shingane is of such a high quality. Kojima san has forgotten more than most of us will ever learn. I think it is advisable to read what he has to say about shingane: http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/shingane.html

Gee, the sword is in the EU No custom fees

Gents, Recently there was a sales ad by "sugarsnout", a new member here. He had some good swords for sale at good prices. His name is Marc, he is also in the bonsai business My experience was great, communication was swift, shipping too, sword has turned out to be very good, as expected. I have paid by credit card. Marc was very forthcoming and pleasant to talk to and the deal was smooth and good. I can only recommend him, especially as he seems to have more swords to sell. Thanks, Marc

PM re 26_01 sent

I wish Ford would chime in.

Incidentally, this seller ask a much higher price for anything remotely good. And he has another "Shonai", one that was discussed (and rightly criticised) here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/SUPERB-SHONAI-School-Inlaid-mother-of-pearl-Japanese-18-19th-C-Antique-Tsuba-725-/401078388688?hash=item5d622287d0:g:8JQAAOSwWTRW0E7Z Could be the same maker as "yours". Both are bad. There is a papered one at Aoi: http://www.aoijapan.com/tsuba-mumei-shonai-the-way-of-the-cleaver

Sellers with good reputation sell mediocre stuff, too, so this is no indication. But if you ask me, I think it could be a Shonai Shoami. It is just that It is not particularly good. Could be a copy, too. But, hey! That is my opinion only

This tsuba is crude. Workmanship is poor and the composition is awkward, to say the least. New or old, it is a far cry from a halfway good tsuba.

http://www.ksky.ne.jp/~sumie99/tools.html

Got reponses from all three NMB members. Great stuff, guys, many thanks A big nig "Thank you" to Peter for being such a perfect gentleman Richard, thanks for the suggestion. Owners offered this solutions, very generous and kind of them

Hahaha, Thomas, at least nobody can say I sell trash Thanks for reminding me