Isshu

Hi All, This has been an interesting discussion with strong for and against opinions and each to make up there own minds. However, there has been little comment as to the validity of the NTHK-NPO certificates. As this type of certificate is readily available in the USA due to the ability of many Shinsa it appears to be quite popular. Unfortunately other countries don't have the numbers or financial backing to hold such regular events. This makes it difficult for collectors in countries which don't have Shinsa to upgrade their old or not as yet papered items. So we have to consider the costs to send to Japan- postage, middle man agents fees, Shinsa fees, registration fees etc. to possibly upgrade the current "old papers". Not everyone can afford this luxury unless comfortably well off or has a commercial interest. I have been told and open to correction but all dealers in Japan now only obtain NBTHK certificates. This seems to me that a monopoly is been created and as with any monopoly, in any field or business can led to it's own problems as with the criminal activities with the green papers. I only comment because what if the HBTHK one day decides that NTHK-NPO certificates are not up to a standard or unreliable or...???. I have read on this board many times that it is the blade not the papers but I think we all know that papers are an important consideration when purchasing a sword when someone (like me) has only average knowledge and little or no Japanese. So I am interested in comments from the strong supports of the NBTHK as to the "strenght" of the alternative certificates to the NBTHK. Are they worth the effort to wait for that rare Shinsa event or send to Japan. Thanks. John C.

Hi Guys, thought I would post my koshirae that came with a Koyama Munetsugu wakizashi. A full silver set but unsigned and has a nice dragon motif on the koshirae. Regards John C

Hi Members I have recently added to my collection a very nice Ryo-Shinogi-(Omi)-Yari with a nagasa of 57cm, mihaba of 3.6cm, ubu nakago and signed Oshu Aizu ju Shimosaka. In all possibility a special order or commissioned yari due to the length and size. I have searched through Markus's books, other reference books that I have, the web and have contacted collectors here in Australia to find out more about the school/ swordsmith that may have made this yari. However there only seems to be a small amount of information available that has been found. Hence the following question; What information is out there in relation to "Oshu Aizu Ju Shimosaka" signature. Is there anyway to link this signature to a certain smith and/or era. If this blade was a presentation yari would a smith not include his name so not to "big note" himself? Or any other information would be great. Thanks for any help John C mei 200KB.jpg]

Greeting all, I have been collecting for about 8 years now and thought it it was time to finally join the board. During this time i have been lucky enough to meet a few other collectors in Australia who have been very forth coming with their knowledge, experience and friendship. I have been able to attend group meetings in both Melbourne and Sydney in which I had a wonderful time viewing and expanding my knowledge. I'm very happy with my current collection and always looking to expand as the addiction continues. Regards John C