b.hennick

Payapl is sometimes troublesome. You can always send funds to treasurer@jssus.org

Your information would be included with any payment. If you want some confirmation feel free to contact me - Barry Hennick at barry@hennick.ca

Spammers struck the NKB Database on the JSSUS web-site. Accordingly we have taken it down until the spam can be removed. I expect that the work will be completed in a couple of weeks. Once repaired the database will again be available to the sword collecting community.

Barry Hennick

Director/Ombudsman JSSUS

visit the JSSUS at http://www.jssus.org

(webmaster)

Here is an example of what Gary was talking about. Jim Kurrasch (now deceased) always brought "Old" swords to look at to the San Francisco show. I got to know Jim and looked forward to learning something from him every year. Once I got to know "old" swords and expressed an interest Jim took note. Next year he asked if I was still interested in an "old" sword. He later introduced me to a man (Min Shintaku - now deceased) who had an "old" sword - one hole ubu late Heian, early Kamakura ko Naminohira tachi - my oldest and longest sword. It took more than two years of letters and calls before I got to see the blade. The following year I was allowed to buy it. The person who owned it wanted to be sure that I would take good care of it. So I too now care for his treasure sword. It will be a long time before I look for the next generation of care giver. So it is with some swords - they are passed on when the time is right.

Hi Franco:

I agree that the blade confirms the mei. But for this discussion focused on gimei blades I still suggested looking at the blade first and then the mei. So the work of the blade should confirm the mei but once the two agree one still must consider the possibility of the signature being gimei. Someone other than the maker or his student may have put the "correct name" on the blade but the blade would still be gimei.

My point was look first to the work then second to the mei then third see if the mei matches known examples i.e. gimei or shoshin.

As usual we agree and certainly we both agree with Arnold but I guess my focus was off...

Jose and John are both life members of the JSSUS. Our last mailing to them was returned undelivered. If anyone is in contact with either individual please ask the person to send me a correct mailing address. My email address barry@hennick.ca

Thanks

I know of a blade that had a gimei signature to Kunihiro that was removed. The blade papered to Norishige. It is a great sword. So my words of advice are to look at the blade and buy the work. The signature should confirm the work. If it does not it is possible to send the blade to shinsa. After two rejections I would consider having the mei professionally removed and the tang restored. It then can be resubmitted. Why two rejections - people make mistakes.

Sometimes good unsigned swords are given signatures that are for the correct smith but gimei. These too can be removed and papered to the correct smith.

I personally do not knowingly own gimei blades.

Hi Charlie:

The show is open to table holders only on Thursday - mainly for set up. The show is open to the public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a daily admission fee or a weekend fee. The American Branch of the NBTHK is putting on a display of swords of Etchu Provence. They charge $10 to see, handle the blades and listen to a lecture on them. I know that there will be a Go Yoshihiro for sure as well as other great blades.

There is a lecture on sword etiquette Saturday morning - worthwhile and free. It will be given by Grey Doffin on behalf of the JSSUS (Japanese Sword Society of the United States). Things tend to close up early on Sunday as people have to travel home. On the other hand sometimes there are great deals on Sunday. People want to go home with less merchandise and more money or need to sell in order to buy. Drop by my table and say hello. I am bringing a bunch of swords and fittings priced to sell.

Here is an image of the date. I do not know of a gendai smith named Ujimitsu.

I worked on another image in photoshop. I hope this helps.

All help would be appreciated.

Is Pavel Novak back? If so run do not walk away.

Hi Gary et al:

I will be there as well. I expect it to be a good show for buying as the market is soft. I will be trying to sell into this soft market.

I received one as well. I did not reply. A reply confirms that the email address is a good one.

I agree that this is a very poor horimono. I would have liked to have seen the blade without it. Mumei would also have been preferable. :D

Now the question is how did he do the file marks? It seems impossible. Ford do you have an answer?

Thanks for the last post. Of late I am enjoying the postings in the tosugu section of the messageboard most of all. I am still a sword collector at heart but I really appreciate the time and efforts made at education in this segment of the messageboard. Thank you to the senior members who give us their time and knowledge and thank you to the junior members who raise the questions that illicit those knowledgeable answers.

Look at the plate - learn good steel - messages that all nihonto collectors need to heed.

At the San Francisco show this summer I will make an effort to look at the plates of tsuba with a view to learning more about good steel. I would ask members of this board who attend the show to take the time to point out to me especially good plates. I will try to take some photos and perhaps work out an article or two.

Thanks again!

There is a mistake in the shipping charge. It is only $40 not $140. I have communicated with the owner. He has tried unsuccessfully to correct the error.

Look at the tusba for sale listed today. His is called Bakumatsu Miochin

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5590

Interesting contrast/ comparison between the two. :D

As a result of earlier discussions of the work of Natsuo I bought a book on his work from Craig at Bridge of Dreams (great sale BTW) In any case there is no mention of him making a kogatana. There is a picture of a couple of pipes which I found unusual. Ford's posting of photos of his work led me to buy the book. Thanks for the contribution Nobody San.

Hi Brian:

I saw the same listing but I am not sure that he is the same smith...Perhaps there is a different reading for the kanji. Nobody but nobody knows for sure.... :D

I have to say thank you again for your efforts on my behalf and that of the collecting community who struggles with translation. THANK YOU!!

Thank you for the translation. I must have missed the character for ten and just read the two -- February 2nd month rather than December 12th month

If anyone has informaiton on this smith I would appreciate receiving it. The blade has a tight grain - not muji and a choji hamon.

Hello:

I have been able to translate the date as being a lucky day in February Showa 18 (1943) but I could use some assistance with the mei.

Thanks!

I have a WWII blade that has a saya that is a leather covered shirasaya. Same wood same shape. The handle has older fittings. So that blade was taken to combat in a shirasaya - not shiratsuka..(is that a word - seems to work) :D

Hi Stephen et al:

I registered this evening got my confirmation email and ID number. No request for a fee. I did not confirm my registration - big error. I then did that and my login went smoothly. I think this now works as it should

This thread has been a great learning experience for me. I appreciate the contributions to my knowledge base made by several contributors. I must also thank the original poster for without that post I would not be in the position I now am. I have a big smile on my face :D

Special thanks to Ford and Ian who continue to educate all of us. I especially appreciate the time you put into thinking and then posting to this board.

Again much appreciation!

_________________

Regards,

Barry Hennick