Stoney

Isn't it funny how Americans like to " Brand New " old Gunto swords and koshirae, and that brings better money for them. In Australia if I came across a " Brand New " Gunto ie Repainted, Restored, Tampered with, and Unoriginal it is actually worth less money.

The leather tassel is an NCO tassel I believe. Wrong type of sword. But they often got mixed up by returning servicemen.

Hi George, Referring back to your first post. Perhaps same production probably couldn't be sustained during the war. But also remember that the Japanese troops were spending almost all of their battlefield time in equatorial climates. The armed forces of any country generally try to improve the equipment of their soldiers. I believe that celluloid was perhaps marketed as an alternative to same because of the humidity experienced by most of the Japanese Army stationed throughout the Pacific. You only have to look at Gunto brought back by Aussie troops from New Guinea, Bougainville etc. Mould and Humidity takes it's toll on everything. Going to a synthetic alternative makes sense. And of course is cheaper.

Pure Gold

Ok, sorry I was being sarcastic. .

No, if I had a dollar for every story though.....

A Japanese General's sword at only AUD$1300.00, be quick, very quick. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/WW2-Japanese-sword-military-army-collectable-/131648605406?hash=item1ea6de4cde:g:b1YAAOSw5ZBWMEyn

Thanks Jim

Hawley rating 15 - Polished turd haha. All I really wanted to know is if anyone on this forum has ever come across a katana from this smith.

Sorry I took so long. I hope these are helpful.

G'day all, I have a wakizashi from this smith - Tsugumitsu (継光), Enpō (延宝, 1673-1681), Echizen – „Echizen no Kuni Shimosaka Tsugumitsu“ (越前国下坂継光), also worked in Edo. And I was wondering if someone had an oshigata or picture of a katana that was made by this smith if at all. Other than that, with my limited resources any supplementary information would be greatly appreciated.

Tact - a keen sense of what to say or do to avoid giving offense; skill in dealing with difficult or delicate situations.

Thanks Piers I'll check it out.

I just got interested in netsuke because of this new area of NMB. Damn you Brian!!

G'day all, I have noticed lately that Showato sometimes are now commanding more than the usual bargain bin prices. I know they are not true art swords and agree. But I wanted to ask the more esteemed members whether they think this shift in price compared to when you could buy one for mere dollars is a good or bad situation for nihonto collection in general. http://www.e-sword.jp/katana/1510-1049.htm http://www.sword-auction.jp/english/auction.cgi?acc=disp&no=1426554545&t=1213703271 Two links just for an example. I have viewed many more.