TETSUGENDO

Semar, Jeremiah is right....RUN. Definately NOT Japanese, looks like something made in your part of the world to me. -S-

I always equate sahari/sawari with niello, where both name and technique are closely bound together. -S-

David, They are very nice...but miles away from Goto. Cheers, -S-

I think we'd all like to see it! -S-

Congratulations Frank! Cheers, -S- p.s.- Photo is not half bad, needs a bit more light and to be in focus would vastly improve things.. If a camera use tripod, if a phone try voice command...should help.

BaZZa, Cabinet and contents are worthless nonsense. -S-

Ben, Detail of Seijo's work is much more precise and detailed, this is a decent 'school' piece in less than great condition. It's a nice attractive collectable tsuba, just not the finest example. Cheers, -S- p.s.-Chris, your tsuba is Bushu.

Ray, Signature number 2 is that of Seiryuken Eiju, Tetsugendo school. Cheers, -S-

Hamfish, I am familiar with these 'pillbox' conversions. Although they look menacing, the vast majority of those I have encountered are simply friction fit. In this type depressing the shitodome-ana 'plugs' and pulling on the gilt 'collar' will release the lining of the kashira. Putting your finger against the lining of the fuchi and pulling up will release the lining. Note the "plugged' nakago-ana of the tenjo-gane is usually soft-soldered in place. If this is the case repair is relatively inexpensive. NOTE, rarely the lining of the other parts are also soldered, this makes revision much more costly. If this was a GREAT piece in otherwise perfect condition, I have, and would undertake this project. Cheers, -S- p.s.- these are collectable 'as is', as Stephen notes they are nice to use for their intended repurposing.

RARE, QUALITY, and VALUE are often completely unrelated. -S-

Use Piers link, click where noted on thumbnail.

Piers, It's not surprising that he made lacquer netsuke, many inro makers did. Wrangham's is a good reference, thank your daughter. As for documenting the piece, perhaps Howard would like to provide the site with the pertinent information....I'm sure they would welcome it. -S-

Hi Piers, Yes, if he also made lacquer netsuke. Cheers, -S-

Ohtar, Many fine swords with koshirae are offered for sale here on NMB, you should check the for sale listings from time to time. -S-

Hi Piers, The brain wants to make perfect visual order of things, so it suggests that the registration error can be rectified by a 'non-existant' fourth print. LOL! To my knowledge, this print was issued as a triptych only. Cheers, -S-

Robert, what makes you say that ? -S-

Beg to differ, the least questionable thing about this is the "assembly". This is a common enough bit of Meiji pastiche complete with antique looking fittings. I'm sure the original finish of the saya was much less gruesome than its present incarnation. I do agree that the blade is genuine, and that's about it. Again unless some element/elements of this package are irresistible.....pass. -S-

Omar, To my eyes the metal in question is oxidized SILVER, "pewter" or any primarily tin based alloy, has an entirely different appearance. Your pieces appear to date later Edo/Meiji. -S- p.s.-FYI, Meiji is not a dirty word. Along with plenty of nonsense and ordinary fair, much extremely fine work was produced by artists who are considered to be some of the best tosogu-shi of any era.

Eric, Just to hammer the third nail in, I must agree with the opinions expressed by Geraint and Chris. This type of koshirae was very popular with curio collectors in the west from the Meiji period to the 1930's. They were made in various quality levels, from very fine to crude. This is a poor quality example on all accounts, as has been suggested, I would give it a pass as well. Cheers, -S-

Very surprised to see this great opportunity still unclaimed, this is a rare and wonderful value. -S-

There is a better way, replace the tacks with bamboo pegs, or use a different sort of box. Inform the people you are purchasing from to not ship in box. The only way to better this situation is through continued repetition, it's a lesson slowly learned but well worth the effort. -S-

Anytime, just stating the facts. Cheers, Mate -S-

Stephen, You've got a good eye, quality is high, condition great, and it's a RARE motif. Not a surprise the bidders were enthusiastic! -S-

George, Ask Stephen C, he appears to have had dealings with just about everyone. Cheers, -S-

Thanks Pete, right on point! -S-