TETSUGENDO

I would be surprised if there is anything to disappoint, pictures look descent enough, to my eye it looks a real honey. Since you"re certainly on one....'Laissez les bon temps rouler'! -S-

Beautiful Stephen! It would be gorgeous mounted.....just saying. Great as is too, congrats! -S-

Ford, Although most here are interested in the disassembly of these pieces, there definately exists a faction who are interested in maintaining them in their complete state. If you haven't already, check with dealers of antique silver before assigning them to the pot, they are usually interested in material for restorations. Or you could list them in trade journals, or on appropriate websites, if you want to bother. It seems a shame to melt them even though their reincarnation will, undoubtedly, be a beautiful one. -S-

Yes Malcolm, excellent links. The early products of the Japonisme/Japonaiserie craze were first made by the better Jewelers in Europe and the US. Initially, authentic kodogu were used and later supplemented with works commissioned, en masse, from Japan. Eventually copies, both good and bad, were produced on both sides of the Atlantic to fill an ever growing demand. -S- p.s.- Special hell, INDEED.....warranted but seldom applied!

Sounds like a good reason to wear a tie Barry, maybe it could also work on a lapel. Whatever, you should break it out for your next Nihonto related event. -S-

"California Dreamin"? -S-

Dwain, Considering the combination of leaf form, vein pattern, and shape of serrations......I vote Maple. -S-

rkg, Déjà vu, even better the second time around. The perfect repurposing, looks great, object completely unscathed. -S-

Brilliant! Can't wait for show and tell. -S-

Hi Eric, Jean has given you good advice. The piece is strange and problemed, investing additional time and money to straighten things out is a waste. After the effort and expense your still left with something that has 'issues'. Look for a better piece, there are plenty of good quality, modestly priced, swords availble in this category. -S-

Grev, Not a lot of attractive options out there, which is good as you can build up a fund to utilize when the right piece comes along. It will be costly, but I find the only regrets I have are of the things I did not buy. Cheers, -S-

The term is self explanatory. -S-

You're not the only one seeing Dragons, I am certain the "suggestion" of such was intended. That, or the Zen thing is messing with our minds. The new owner got an interesting one. -S-

This is one of my favorite schools, always has been. I have not seen a first rate example offered in quite a while. People are paying high prices for second rate examples by third rank makers, apparently the price of catch-up is dear. -S- p.s- for some reason many of the more interesting offerings seem to originate from France.

Dwain, Everbody must start somewhere and yours is better than most, just continue on the same track and you'll do fine. Many beginners run amok, like a Great White during a feeding frenzy, indiscriminately grabbing every thing before them. A carefully considered approach yields the best results. Carry on, -S-

Dwain, Very attractive tsuba, looks mid Edo to me, revival of earlier models very popular. Signature appears okay but is a bit muddled by the slightly agressive nature of the Amida yasurime decoration. Cheers, -S-

Stephen, Your inexhaustable determination inspires us all! Ever consider PI work, anyone on the "lam" wouldn't have a chance with you on the case. LOL. -S-

Dwain, Looks Good! And the books are encouraging....readings a good thing. Cheers, -S-

Dwain, You have the option to add a photo to your reply, whether the image is a photo you have taken or an online image you've saved, just select- more reply options. -S-

Sometimes a little focused paranoia is completely appropriate. -S-

Here is an interesting one, not a direct relative but somewhat of a kindred spirit. Cheers, -S-

Yes, there is something here, I find the balance between positive and negative space near perfect. All in all very pleasing, almost theraputic........I realize that may seem weird to some. Good luck! -S-

John, The glossy black patina is not at all unusual, it is common to many schools producing this general type of Tsuba, Chosu, Bushu, Sunagawa, Kinai,etc,etc. It is more notable for its presence though,as it is usually gone. Nice Tsuba, the gold pine needle nunome (overlay) decoration on the rim adds interest. -S-

No, but several interesting items. You know the bay, between them and PP your supposedly covered...if it is not too much money its worth a flyer. -S-

This repurposing of Kodogu has been going on for some 140 plus years, its shock value has long lost its sting. Well done (reversible ) reuse of mediocre pieces gives them a new life and purpose, better than languishing neglected and forgotten. This material exists in truly surprising quantity, years back there was a well known dealer of Asian Art in lower Manhattan who had multiple plastic bins filled with fittings. Occasionally you come across a mangled masterpiece...that is painful. -S- p.s. pins affixed to the back are easily removed.