Katsujinken

I agree with Mark and Piers!

Sending all my good thoughts your way, JP! No apologies necessary. Be well.

Bump for a happy new year! The later myochin tsuba ("Nobuie") is still available for $500. 

This should appeal to any martial artist as the grape leaves carved into the surface represent a play on the word "budo"!

A poor fake from a mile away. 

Our thoughts are with you, Guido!

Bump! When both tsuba are sold I will make a donation to the board. 

This thread reminds me of many conversations we’ve had on this board about the “danger zone.”

Here’s one: 

But essentially, when you’re looking at blades between $10k and $20k you need to tread very carefully. 

The Umetada tsuba is sold. 

Bump! Open to offers. :-) 

For me, I love having physical copies of especially important references—the kinds of things meant to stand for decades or more. Nihonto Koza, Fujishiro, books with very special photography. 
 

But for anything more ephemeral than that, digital is just fine. I’m already drowning in (and way behind on reading!) the monthly NBTHK magazine as it is. :-P

Wonderful! What a fantastic horimono. I hope you can get it polished one day and set up to rest in a comfy shirasaya. 
 

Great find. The blades are lucky you found them. 

Bump to the top, thanks :-)

Hi Gareth,

Please post more photos, including details of the nakago (tang), hamon, and kissaki (tip). 
 

If you need help removing the tsuka (handle) please let us know. 

I would say their pricing is standard retail. They know what they have and their job is to make a decent margin. 

Bump, with a price drop! :-)

$500 each or $900 for the pair. 
 

Cheers. 

6 minutes ago, ChrisW said:

Already was posted earlier in the week by yours truly!
 

And our reaction was pretty much the same!

Ah, my apologies for not seeing this. Thanks!

I am totally dumbfounded: https://jacksonsauction.com/catalogs/2021/SEP/detail/default_PR.aspx?ID=306

$21,000 for this?

12 hours ago, PietroParis said:

I had noticed the Umetada on eBay, kudos for offering it at a discount to NMB members!

But of course! With eBay I expect it to sit for a long time and price it accordingly. 
 

NMB should always get the best prices. :-) 

I have two charming iron tsuba that are ready for their next home. Asking $600 each or $1000 for the pair. Free insured shipping in the USA and insured international shipping at cost. And of course a donation to NMB if they sell here! Please feel free to contact me with questions.

The first is mumei and has NBTHK Hozon attributing it to the Umetada school. It's about 6.5cm in diameter. Includes the kanteisho and a nice modern kiri box.

The second is a true katana tsuba signed Nobuie, but is most likely later Myochin work. Includes the fabric pouch.

For an appraisal I’d recommend working with someone like Mike Yamasaki. It needs to be a specialist. And likewise you’ll want specialized insurance (often for militaria). 
 

Mike can probably make recommendations there as well. 

It’s really a shame the owner wasn’t able to take better care of this stuff. 
 

I also noticed the mei on 286. Sadly this removes any possibility that it is an older koto treasure hiding in plain sight (imho). 
 

And yes, the auctioneer seems a bit lackadaisical. 

26 minutes ago, Stephen said:

actually a little something for everyone.

 

Mantetsu, Starstamp Masashige, ect

 

https://jacksonsauction.com/catalogs/2021/SEP/search/

Yes, fair point, Stephen! But not the older stuff, I'm afraid.

A friend sent this to me for my point of view: https://jacksonsauction.com/catalogs/2021/SEP/

286 has an interesting shape, but I don't see any diamonds in the rough here.

- In Japan

- Not papered / green papers

- On eBay

Whenever 2 or more of these things are true, you should run away (unless you can kantei with the best of them). 

On 8/17/2021 at 4:28 AM, David Flynn said:

It looks like the Kissaki has been re-shaped.   

More like molested.