Nickupero

I can guarantee the buyer will never buy another Japanese blade once he/ she realizes what was actually purchased. Whats crazy is there was at least one other bidder going up against him/ her!!!

Not sure if I want to laugh or cry, especially since he's a Canadian seller. It appears he's also a polisher.... now I know where to go when I want some local polishing done!

Points very well made, I respect your opinions. Referring it to as Graffiti is interesting, some people like a clean wall while others feel it adds character. These items are highly regarded and they represent very well the Japanese mentality and the strive for perfection so I see how an ugly attempt at a signature can take away from the beauty of the item in some eyes. I guess I see it a little different, I find a false signature tells a story about the blade at one point in time, sort of like a physical record. I like to imagine who's hands it could have passed through, what the blade could have been through, reasons for doing such things and the people involved, and besides documented records there is not so much we can tell about a blades history and what it has seen. We will all have a certain amount of time with the items we purchase until they pass onto the next custodian, will we leave our prints... maybe, or maybe not... a removal of a signature, a repolish, adjustment, or repair. Anything we do alters its history. I guess the only way to slightly convince me to do such a thing would be out of respect to the original smith. I've had discussions in person with friends for hours regarding this matter and I'm interested in hearing different views from both sides of the fence. That's very odd Clive, first time I heard of that, never resubmitted it later?

Some very good points were made... Apologizes if my initial post was too vague, it will be narrowed down as you read. Mistakes get made even by the most experienced eyes, and its unfortunate to hear situations where a signature is removed and later proven to be that same smith. I've heard some horror stories myself. But sword groups like the NBTHK and NTHK help us to be able to set a standard in this industry, the resale of a certified blade is no doubt easier and faster. Sales through the internet make us instinctively ask for paperwork since we are not able to examine the blade in hand, pictures can hide features that the eye would normally be able to catch. Chris hit the nail dead on regarding certification. Alex, I would be careful with this, you pointed out that you know a dealer that does not like to put blades through Shinsa due to the expense and time required, I can sympathize with this because it is difficult as a dealer to hold up funds in an item for an extended period of time. This is why trust is needed and it is always best to deal with reputable dealers, even if they make mistakes they will own up to it in order to maintain their reputation. Just be careful who that dealer is though! As collectors we all have different goals and interests but what I was really curious to know was the opinions and experiences of actually removing the Mei, I've never done so myself and I share my opinion close to Gary's. If an item is Gimei someone at some point in time did this for a reason and that remains the history of the item, now at this point in history I would feel bad to be the one making the final decision to alter this, something irreversible. I've had this opinion from when I first started collecting and I always though it would change as I evolved, but funny enough it has remained the same and I think it may be the Historian inside me and the appreciation of keeping things the way they were. I don't like to be the person making the decision to alter or modify the history of the blade. I've sold blades in the past that were Gimei and made my thoughts very clear to my clients, I always told them that if they insist I can point them in the direction for the alterations but I did not want to have direct involvement in the process. Good work is good work regardless of what on the Nakago. I know many of you might not agree and are eager to hit the "Post Reply" button, I am interested to hear your thoughts.

I'm not sure if this topic has been visited in the past but I'd like to get a discussion going and the opinions from all types of collectors are welcome. I've come across many people who have different views on Antique Gimei blades, and the process of removing the signature. Some collectors believe that removing a false signature is a form of cleansing the blade as to what it should be, also making it able to pass for certification. While others believe that by doing this you are erasing the history or historical prints of the blade, and altering the item for your benefit. I'm interested to hear your views and why, even if they differ to the above mentioned.... Maybe even some feelings regarding personal experiences. I'll keep my opinion to the end, curious to see where this goes :D

It was well worth your time. Looks great Alex! Send us a few more pictures when you get the chance.

Here are a few more pictures to help, keep in mind that the Sori is slightly lost because when I took a picture of the Sugata I was standing above the blade but a few degrees in front of it. The Hamon doesn't look like typical Kanemoto but looks like Mino work. Thank you for everyone's opinion, from all levels. Ruben you are correct, definitely not Koto forged, but I don't believe its Gendaito and that it is Later Edo so I have to agree with Derek, the Jigane is fresh but the blade still shows age, enough to comfortably place it in the ShinShinto period. See the pictures and let me know if any opinions have changed, any other input is welcomed. looking forward to hearing them.

Hello Gents, I figured I'd get a discussion going on this beautiful blade, any opinions or comments are welcome. It is signed "Kanemoto" which should date the blade to Muromachi period. But Looks clearly like Shin-Shinto forging and it is quite thick any recommended smiths, etc? Even comments from beginner collectors are welcome, please don't be shy! Features are; slightly longer Kissaki, Ubu-Nakago, Itame Hada, Nie-deki Gunome Midare Hamon with ashi, Sunagashi, and also small kinsuji scattered. Here are the Dimensions; Nagasa: 70.4 cm Sori 1.3 cm Motohaba: 3.23 cm Sukihaba: 2.24 cm Looking forward to all your inputs

Its nice that you were able to get the pictures you did, I was there on the opening day and security stopped me the moment I pulled out my camera. Beautiful Private collection indeed.... Dr. Beliveau worked real hard to put it all together, I imagine his house feels quite empty these days! Thanks again.

Great Pictures Barry, some hidden photography skills there. Thank you for making the exhibit visible to the rest of us, I still haven't had the time to make it down to Quebec City to see it, but after your feedback I'll be gassing up the car very soon! Take care!

Great question, thank you Lee Bray... Although it is nice to see members active in discussions, expanding their knowledge and contacts, everyone is still entitled to this discount even if they just joined and have a zero post count. Keep those great topic and discussions going !!! :D

I think if anyone deserves a discount it should be the Passionate members of the NMB And yes Brian, it will be pretty effortless to get these items to fellow Canadian collectors! Speak to you soon!

Hello to all NMB members, My name Nick Ricupero from www.nihontoart.com I would like to extend a special 10% discount to all members, and even up to 15% on selected items. If something catches your eye you can contact me directly through nihontoart.com or eve PM me. This offer has no expiry date and is exclusive to NMB members only, please provide me your user name to qualify. Thank you for your time and don't stop collecting these unique history artifacts!