Gilles

Thank you Piers, it explain why those two names are quoted and their attributions. Can we date this hitai-ate between 1864 ans 1868 ???? I can't see a date on the certificate.

Thank you for your help gentlemen. I guess we won't go further on this one.

Does anyone has infos about the armor maker Yoshikatsu Kawamura, who is said by the seller to be employed by the Sakai family of the Shonai domain ? Any help on this certificate will be welcome.

Piers, Can you tell me what is written on the paperwork ? Is it a certificate, ? I can't see a date....! Anyway, I like the way the kanji(s) are drawn. I remember the one belonging to Jan which is in better condition.

Yes Uwe, you sure know me . This type is not so common to find and it seems to be complete and original. I can see the smith name on the certificate......

Dear all, I recently acquired an hitai-ate from the Bakumatsu era. It was described by the seller as : made by Yoshikatsu Kawamura, armor maker of the Sakai family of the Shonai domain, used by the Shinsengumi, Tsuruoka domain. It has three other engraved inscription which are : Hachiman Daibosatsu, Amaterasu Omikami Shrine, Kasuga Daimyojin Shrine. It comes with eight different types of amulets and what I understand to be a certificate. Can you help me on the certificate ? I will need a full translation to see if it is really linked to the hitai-ate. How old is it ? Any helpful comments are welcome. Thank you for your help.

Colin said all about carved BOHI.

Like John said "The one I would be worried about is the ware" next to the HA (in the HAMON I guess). It is never a good thing but it is a little one. Obviously, the BOHI were carved to hide some ware.

I'm afraid that Uwe is right. It is a Showa copy.

Mostly nie for me.

Dear Jimi sam, your link does not work for me.

It was used to illuminate in one direction like a flashlight. the interior was made to reflect light.

This samurai is holding a lantern. According to the mon(s) depicted on his trousers, it can be one of the 47 ronins (chusingura).....!

Thank you very much John,

Thank you Dimitri, A tad more accurate will help.

Dear all, if you can help me on this one, I will appreciate a lot. It is a sword made by KANENORI. I will need the full translation of that page. Thanks a lot for your active help

John, Can you tell me in what book you have found this reference ?

I found it in an old shirasaya. I sent it to a professional polisher and had a shirasaya made of wenge. Thank you John for the reference. It is not the same sword but it is the same signature I must have this page translated.

I have one in store. Try to guess who is the sworsmith......! hint : he received the honor of being appointed a Teishitsu Gigeiin (Imperial Court Artisan).

The explanation given by Geraint tell everything. Yes, this yari is a real old one. I agree that it is from EDO era given the shape of the blade. Can you post pictures of the tantos ?

Not genuine for me. Showa copy.

Payment to Brian, tomorrow night....

Hello, I am going to take 12. The Red Guards of the Ii Family: Arms and Armor of the Hikone fief Hikone Castle Museum

This newsletter is fine with me. Thank you very much for your outstanding work.

Thank you for your kind words Jesse.