Mark S.

Kinda like someone telling you they are selling a car, but won’t tell you what kind.

Just a bunch of ‘stuff’ all put together, and in the wrong order I might add. Blade might have possibilities, but lots of current issues as well.

Never too soon to start planning for next year…

All, So just to re-cap the show. As always, Mark and crew put on a WONDERFUL show. Great seeing old friends/acquaintances, shaking hands, sharing new acquisitions, and just catching up a bit. Unfortunately, as I age, leaning over the table and looking down at items can take its toll on the old back… but it is a risk I am willing to take! The presentations on Saturday were top notch and we got to look at/hold fittings and blades that may rarely come around again. Matt Jarrell’s presentation highlighting the change in shape of swords over time was very informative. You know that ‘pictorial chart’ in books of blades showing that information? Well, you got to look at and hold that chart in person! From Heian to Shinshinto. How many opportunities like that come along? It was mentioned that some of the fittings from that presentation may be posted on-line for viewing, but I will have to let those associated with that comment. Please… if you have the opportunity to go to this show or any others in the future, make every attempt. You will NOT be disappointed and they really need our support. Once again, thank you to Mark and all!

With permission from the dealer. Please let me know if you would like any other info.

Interesting… every so often a glimpse and a bit of enlightenment. The disconnect with the rest of the collecting community is a bit more clear for me. Doesn’t explain the need to act a certain way… or maybe it does. Thanks for the ‘why’.

AOI’s Juyo Kotetsu starts at 60 million yen… $421,000 and change. Just a hair over my current year nihonto budget.

Always so sad to hear. May his family and friends find Peace in the days ahead.

Hope OP doesn’t mind and maybe this gets pinned at a later date if valuable, but here are the seals/judges from a 2011 NTHK-NPO kanteisho (I do hope these are correct). If this should be posted separately, please delete this post and I will resubmit. Seems like a single location for this info might be useful?

Nope… that’s not it…

I know no one likes this question… “What does your sensei recommend?”

I know this isn’t the answer you want, but really, it is worth whatever you purchased it for… and someday if you decide to sell, it will be worth whatever price you and the buyer agree upon. It is difficult to put dollar figures on other people’s blades as there are way too many variables involved. As long as you feel you made a good deal, that is what counts. You might do a search for other wakizashi from this smith/school in similar condition to see what dealers are asking and adjust up or down from there.

And kogatana were signed by a smith (or attributed to a smith), not the owner, so not sure how you could figure out who to hunt down? Maybe if the kozuka had the clan/family Mon on it, but how many “Kilroy was here” kozuka/kogatana have you seen?

Am I the only one who noticed this BRILLIANT tactic to convince our spouse to purchase a blade!?!? Ya got a keeper there (the wife). And the blade is nice too…

All excellent choices.