drbvac

Agreed and look forward to the pics , may be a tad long for Muromachi but ?

Well all things considered, it is shortened so it probably originally had a nagaso of ~700mm, so early Muromachi or early edo , 1400 to 1650, forget the gunto mounts. My guess only

So maybe Kamakura but to broad, older than Muromachi, maybe Nambokucho, but with copied mei Muromachi and color of nakago, early Shinto. :lol: Nothing like a definite answer :?

Well folks just went through all the photos and all I could think about was the 999.00 on the original listing. I even think the stand was made as part of the daisho or at least to match the saya. Very nice indeed.

Well if the mei is good this could be a fairly old blade as this is an old lineage, nakago is not that dark so if I had to make a guess - shinto.

Sad - and what a waste of history Wouldn't I have loved to be the one taking them for disposal knowing what I know now. Probably the troops assigned this duty figured just junk - as these were civilian blades God knows what went over the side.

Canucks must be kindred spirits cause I find it funny too - However with no disrespect it is probably better representative of the Kao of all smiths who make the various Crapitana as they are usually hesitant to sign them with their real names

Folks: The following link I found while searching for some info and although some of you may have it - I found it helpful and sort of neat. As it is old UNFORTUNATELY the images may or may not be available. In any event it is the Christies Auction from 1992 of Dr. Walter Comptons collection of 366 items and many of the descriptions are useful and it is educational to see the prices these pieces demanded nearly 20 years ago. http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/sear ... ce84008eef

On a more positive note. Pretty hard to get a signed gunto in mounts for 200 bucks unless the blade is a real mess. :?

Ron: Job well done - proud of another Canadian ! It really is about the blades and the history isn't it - money aside - preservation and appreciation are the main goals - it is very often hard to find dealers who wouldn't sell anything to make a buck so good on you !

This is for sure a long way off topic and not even that interesting to read and it takes away from more serious posts as I often read all new posts just to keep up. I do agree that the odd humerous comment adds something but on and on commentary between folks should go to PM's

Sort of a fancy lawn dart - I think its neat - try and get a pair!!

Agreed! Unless its a couple of hundred bucks and you want to practice polishing or cutting brush - it was possibly shortened and may be old but it will cost a couple thou to polish.

Retirement planning and swords or any other collectible for that matter really don't go together, other than to have something you love when you do finally cease work. I have been at this for 40 years with various edged weapons and it always seems any appreciable change in prices always take quite a long time and only for really top of the line collectibles. There is usually a 30-50 % mark up on collectibles when sold so in order to make any real money you have to hold it long enough for the market demand to come up to the sellers price and then wait for another time for it to increase! What is even more upsetting at least to me is none of my 4 children is even remotely interested in the blades so if I pass away you folks may be able to get quite a bargain as there will be a fire sale on Nihonto as they will get them for nothing and anything is a bonus. That said I may have to sell them when I get old and stunned and it may very well be the same deal unless you can wait long enough to get the price you want!

I did wonder about the 36 bucks and now that you mention this, I remember this so you could be right Peter. He also shows 4 and 6 inch naginata for sale! That said the shirasaya is worth the money.

Great deal -- and by ground the postage will be very inexpensive as well ! You done well !

It will only take a week or two if you line on the continent, I mailed a book to one of the members in AUstralia by "ground" and it really is ground and ship and it took 2 1/2 months ! No rush - no problem it will eventually turn up :lol This yari is about the same length, 4 1/2 "

Ed: My sincere condolences on the passing of your friend and mentor. We all need men like that in our lives and hopefully you will pass on what he has taught and been to you to out next generation.

Looks like you have it Stephen !

http://eps.crest-Japan.net/index_en.php not bad site

http://www.ricecracker.com/info/kanemitsu.htm This is a bit!

Did you spend a whole lot of money on it? Was it purchased from a known dealer or on e-bay? Stephen may have hinted at what could be not really great news when in hand.

I am sure it will be worth the wait, and when they are away like that you almost forget about it till reminded by posts like this

I am not sure which sword you mean? The early gunto blade in the sabre mounts has a mon of the backstrap and the nakago/hilt is folded, probably more to preserve the signature than making it fit the tsuka Hilt. You have three german swords, a SAS dress dagger, a tulwar , 3 or 4 knights of Columbus or other fraternal swords etc. quite a mixture? And the pics are fine but you probably should just post of one blade.