AndyJP

I have received my first one and echo the positive comments above, The quality and attention to detail is great, the packaging was first class and Darren is very good to deal with. I've now got my eye on the next one which is another of Darren's designs.

Thanks for sharing, I have not seen this before.

Super work John, well done!

Hi Kyle, lovely set and subject. Pm sent thanks. Best, Andy

Hi Mark, yes that would be interesting to see. There is a chochin kabuto on the web with a very similar shaped top to yours. Cheers, Andy

Hi Mark, just to my eyes it could look like a converted chochin kabuto? Cheers, Andy

Ed, thanks for the link - beautiful stuff, love the Aritsune Suaka Tsuba. Cheers, Andy

Hi All, I am trying to identify and then source a particular book/ publication for which I have an extract and I am hoping someone here knows of it. I have attached a couple of images of what appears to be a binder publication entitled THE KOETSU maybe from 1978 and possibly one of a series (#20 ) ? Interestingly there are page numbers in English even though the text is all in Japanese. Any pointers or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and kind regards, Andy

Pm sent Nara school, copper fuchigashira: Kanzan and Jittoku themed Best, Andy

Hi George, thanks for that, yes it is Collector's Firearms so good to know. The problem I have is that the piece I'm interested in doesn't appear on the main listing of their website but does appear with a search on their site - quite strange and probably a quirk of the site but it would be reassuring to know the item is still in store and available. Best, Andy

Hello All, Apologies if this is posted in the wrong place, I just couldn't decide where it sits best. Anyway, I have been looking at a piece online in a store in Houston, Texas but maybe due to the website I am now having doubts/ concerns about whether the piece is still available and as the seller isn't mainly nihonto focussed and has a number of pieces listed, I am nervous I could be sent the wrong piece. So my request is are there any members here living in Houston who could advise about the store/seller or maybe even pop in and see if the particular piece is still available - a local pair of eyes so to speak. If there is anyone, could you please drop me a pm and I will provide some more details. Thanks, Andy

Now that's just mean Alex Very nice too, thanks for posting. All the best, Andy

Thanks Piers

Super Jean, thanks for sharing. Forgot how much I liked the Fuchi/Kashira

Thanks for the replies guys, I have a couple of kozuka in my collection already but always on the look out and just thought i'd see if someone out there might be thinking of selling a piece. Jean, I loved the ferry boat Kozuka you posted some time ago, mine is similar but without the reverse detail and unsigned. Came from a board member here. Bazza, yes a good fuchigashira would be nice Best, Andy

Hi All, I'm interested in work by Hosono Masamori if any members are considering parting with any pieces. Please pm me with details. Best regards, Andy

Thank you so much Morita San. The tags were attached to a 64 plate helmet and the translation for the second tag supports what it was listed as. Not sure what the #9 refers to but I will be especially careful to try to preserve the older looking paper tag which is already quite worn and delicate. Thanks again for taking the time to help. Kind regards, Andy

Hi All, Can anyone help translating either of these images for me? First one on wood is hopefully nice and clear. The second is on a lot more delicate, thin paper so apologies for the quality of the image. Any ideas? Any assistance on either piece would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help here. Kind regards, Andy

Thanks Tom, looks very interesting and definately worth a trip. Andy

Love em, thanks Richard.

Beautiful sword Daniel. Thanks for sharing. Andy

Hi Javier, I think the shape of the helmet is Akoda Nari. The laquer is not in good condition and the nose piece on the menpo does not match but I'm sure others will be able to give you more information. Regards, Andy

Brian, yes as soon as I have concluded my business with them I will seek a written statement. The Fedex representative that I have been dealing with in the UK has a title of "Dangerous Goods Specialist" - very apologetic and also very helpful in getting the blade quickly cleared through customs for next day pick up so I will see if he can give me the statement of their position on shipping antique Japanese swords both within the UK and Internationally. Andy

An update from the UK. Fedex have just refused to deliver a sword to me coming into the UK from Canada. It was stuck at Stansted and I was told that the sword should not have been accepted by Fedex in Canada and should be returned to sender but as an alternative I was given the option to either arrange a private courier to pick it up from Stansted or pick it up in person. Okay, I was lucky and had the option to collect but it seems Fedex are tightening their restrictions even outside of Japan. Andy