doug e lewis

THank you very much, Darcy. i was hoping it would have more to it than "this is the ura side for such and such 's sword" certainly seems like there is a story there for me to seek out. Must learn about Hizen Province. do not know anything about the menuki or sword this tsuka came from. My friend has had these tsukas for years, but i will ask, if anyone is curious. I am! thank you again. and thanks to you and Bob Benson for the great Bizen sword book. doug e.

Sounds like you are pretty busy, Mate. i'll try to get better close ups. also have a mumei, ubu katana in poor shape that Mike Virgadamo (my sayashi friend) says has the sugutha of an Uda School ca. 1560. i have my doubts, but since i know nothing.... has several kizu and an area where a small patch was welded on, i guess to cover up the shigane peaking thru. a bundle sword of some sort...but at least cared for for a few hundred years, even if it is not from the late Sengoku. these tsuka did not come from that katana. the tsuba i posted, with the wrapped tsuka with menuki in the picture did. later. doug e.

need someone to carry your bags, Mr. Turner-San? have a great trip. nice to get back in touch. doug e

Hey Mate, Thought you might be on a trip to Japan and missed this -- note envey -- thanks for the attention to my first nihonto inquiry post must study more ikki! ikki! doug e

Hi John & Pete, good, good! the learning never stops. love this hobby! something to discuss with John H. (friend/mentor re tsuba, etc) i guess by C19 you mean ca. 19th century? thankx for the opinions. now i want to hear from Mr. Turner [and if you want to hold it Rich i'll bring it to Australia -- right after i visit Japan. can ya wait a few years] doug e

here are both ura and omote, plus side view doug e

Hi Jean, my friend and mentor, John H., said Soten ca. 1640 i would have thought much younger than that considering the great shape it is in but i know nothing .... doug e

these old tsukas --- maybe late Edo?? -- discarded when menuki were recovered, i believe, have this fine kanji on them. wonder what they say. any ideas?? thankx all doug e lewis

finally got camera/computer working at the same time. if thisworks i will post more and varied pics so a decent opinion can be formed by any who care to. my 1st nihonto post --non commentary -- 00ps! rescued this on a katana {in poor shape from by younger brother pics of katana in the works ikki! ikki!! doug e lewis

i am too much a newbie to have a good opinion on the sword, but i would love to see the menuki. got any pic. the tsuba and tsuka also. thanx doug e