Curran

I figured it would be best to let others speak up on this one for the benefit of the owner. Though I don't collect swords anymore (never say never), Bizen and especially Oei Bizen is my primary interest so I have a very good idea in this area. Hearing from people like Brian and Grey should be about as honest as it gets. The good is that his sword is -surprisingly- in relatively clean polish. Shirasaya looks well preserved with one of those little ivory or bone mekugi rings. Habaki is rather mediocre, and we know prices on getting those replaced with well made current gold ones have climbed more dramatically than gold. Another negative is that is is on the short end, especially for Bizen around the period where it is dated. The fact that it is relatively in polish is the major caveat. I must remain suspicious about the back story, because polish is as it is and there appear (to my eyes) some small repairs that I think look relatively modern as in the last 30 to 40 years or so. I'll break out all the big old Bizen books and give it a once over this weekend. I'm sure some others can yes/no the signature faster than I can, as the owner has provided a very clear photo. As to $$$: well, some people care for Norimitsu more than I can understand. However, as a second stringer in the Bizen pantheon, the values on his swords have really fallen off since the 2008 financial crash sort of dried up the art (art sword) world in many ways. Soethebys and Christies have basically given up on Nihonto, as so much doesn't sell anymore. I think Grey's estimates are accurate, though perhaps a bit conservative. He has purchased and sold many many more swords than I have or ever will. A dealer would probably offer the owner a -20% to -50% of that amount and then mark it up. If the owner really wants to sell it.... those prices are probably fairly liquid. I highly recommend the owner have this one inspected by a reputable group (either club or shinsa). NBTHK papers add the most value, but are insanely expensive now with import/export and the yen/USD rate being toe cheese. If Yoshikawa Elder were still alive, I'd say definitely take it to him at the Tampa shinsa. However, this should be an easy one for them to Confirm or Reject. Problem is there are a lot of gimei Norimitsu out there, as (being a second stringer not as readily in the average reference book) he was a good target for forgery. Ko-Curran

The cabs were new to me. My host father and brother where quite able to thread the needle in their vehicles of choice, and even they looked on with awe at some other drivers abilities. It is hard to imagine squadrons of steel body bucket taxis flying around. Taxi drivers were so relatively docile during my time there.

This forum is quite large and I think you will be surprised how many of us are interested. There are many listener and readers. I had only a few conversations with Col. Dean Hartley before he passed, but enjoyed them immensely. Website: http://home.comcast.net/~ColHartley/index.html Often I enjoy more talking with collectors from the 1960s and 1970s.

What is with all the Stuarts in Canada? Me'thinks a Campbell like myself would be less than welcome. Of course, having an Irish last name for a first name.... the wife jokes at Campbell expense that I had an Irish ancestor that didn't run fast enough. I thought to direct you to search on Location = Canada, but that didn't produce the results I'd hoped. Depending upon location, across your broad country... there are people to direct you. However, Nihonto collectors for many reasons including security would probably rather I have them get in touch with you. Ie. they'd have my head if I throw out their information. And... since protecting information is part of my work... that would just be poor form. If you have something in particular, post here at NMB and send me a PM. I will try to get the Canadians I know to give it a look. There are at least 3 wicked smart ones I know. Curran Campbell

In originally reading this thread, I was waiting for the bomb where you said you paid some bumbling amount such as $20,000. In another thread, some guy has a Norimitsu which has been kicked around.... and he believes it is worth $20,000. I just roll my eyes and watch him take another hit off the Antiques Roadshow CrackPipe, waiting for photos when the truth is he will be lucky if his sword is worth $5000. Here you had a traditionally made blade with forging flaw (rather common, though yours was a bit large), a finger print (classic oops), and probably gimei (also rather common) and koshirae. The koshirae is more my area of knowledge these days. Frankly, the koshirae had need for one or two minor repairs.... but would cost you a min of $2000.... if not a good bit more depending upon condition, material, and various details I couldn't see clearly enough in the photos. Probably you just returned a koshirae worth $2000 to $5000. I cannot evaluate the value of the blade. Also, sword had a nice little kake for it. If sword was original fitted to the koshirae and fit properly, it sounds like the original seller did you a fair deal except for the hoakie Togo story. The owners may have been upset about us pointing out flaws, but for once I think we have a visitor here who might have made a mistake on the downside. My view is that you just returned a sword+koshirae probably worth between $3000 and $8000. There are certainly a few Canadian experts you could have asked about it. No idea on the value of the statue.

Right place to get honest advice. The moderator will probably move this to one of the other sections, since the sword really isn't for sale yet. Most likely the saya is shirasaya and is magnolia wood. An Oei period Bizen Norimitsu without papers is unlikely to be worth $10,000 or more unless the signature is easily recognizable as genuine and the sword is in excellent condition. As per the rules, use your proper first name and last initial would be considerate since this is a large forum with a few name repeats. Depending upon your location, it also might be best if we direct you to a local authority or sword group as well.

Anyone able to quickly confirm his mailing address? Please PM me privately. I have it as being Hotel Loretto in Santa FE, New Mexico and was wondering if this is still correct? Thanks in advance-

Owning both books suggested so far, I would vote for the 100 Masterpieces of the Compton Collection.

Send him a message through Benson, and maybe he'll call you back. Talented sayashi, but I am not sure he still has anything to do with Nihonto. Motorcycle racing would be an interest of his. Last time I saw him, he was turning his lower barn into a cycle workshop.

Bob, Over the years several of my contemporaries as they started and grew in their understanding wondered, "Why are Kaneiye (generally) considered masterpieces?" Many of them have gone on to see them in person and study them, and most come back having lost their Kaneiye virginity and essentially going, "I get it now" and trying to explain to me. When I see and get to study a good one in person, I'll let you know if "I get it now" and will be sure to try to explain just as others have tried to explain to me. Several people I really respect have had the "I get it now" reaction, so I'm looking forward to losing that Kaneiye virginity.

Peter, Not being an NBTHK member, I agreed to stay at the table while the two other gentleman went to your lecture. I wish I had known about the Kaneiye tsubas being there. My loss. Fred, Thank you for sharing. I'm surprised by the use of silver. I definitely have much to learn about his work.

Uhm.... almost missed the Fred G. reply. I don't think there is a Smilies for the green curiosity I have. Able to post pictures here?

Morita-san, There is a picture of the tsuba above (John?)'s drawing. Are you thinking of a Shimizu (Jingo) school dilettante student? Or something different?

It may be in your best interest to show the sword here and get some advice as to identifying it. Is that all there is of a sayagaki?

Ford, In response: "Mmmehhp...." . I like Ikkin's work overall in terms of mood, but all the examples I have seen have lacked some degree of anima / soul. Like his work. Don't L-O-V-E it. It never grabs me, nor invokes Impression from me. At $3000, maybe it would go. At near $6000, not for me. Others seem to agree, as it has been up for sale for 3 years or so? The signature is close enough and the workmanship close to that on the tsuba, so I'd probably say Jan has a fair chance as this set being legit.

Other than the silk we usually see: I recently got to see this one in the collection of a Japanese oldtimer who doesn't do internet. Many of his boxes used felt, but this large katchushi (11cm) had a fitted box done with Japanese indigo material. The Indigo certainly made the Iris sukashi pop.

Thank you for sharing that picture of the koshirae. These past few years I've been more interested in koshirae, especially original tanto koshirae. I recently enjoyed seeing this one: http://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/146024478 Nice little Namban tanto tsuba. Jan..... Is the tsuba facing the correct way? Given the slender kogai or umbari slot, there should be a corresponding inlet on one side of the tsuba. Otherwise it would be impossible to draw the kogai or umbari without drawing the blade.

Anyone been to it yet and gotten a catalog?

Clive wrote, "Even for me, this is a rather long and boring diatribe for which I hope you will pardon me." *Not boring*. I've been reading your posts since I began studying, and after all these years- I didn't know how you began collecting. I collect what moves me that I can afford, mostly playing devil's advocate with myself to test my own aesthetic and whether or not it is my true opinion or that taught to me. If that taught to me more so than what I feel- then of course attempt to learn what I am missing. Maybe the "Emperor has no clothes", but also sometimes my eyes suddenly see something new and that ah-ha moment is rare and precious as I grow older. Nihonto is pretty good in this regard, as there is considerable mastery spread out over many centuries and many schools from a complex country. Easy to get seduced by it for a few decades. Ps. Jean, Santa says I've been a good person this year. He says send the Yasumitsu to 115 Sunset Drive, FL, USA. The Naoe Shizu also would be welcome. I don't see as many nice examples from that school as I once did.

When I first looked, Rich had not replied yet. Going through the links, I thought that Martin was joking or game playing? But then I got to the last one, so yes 1 out of 6 looks legit. The last one is also listed in Japan on the site I have linked. Given link after link of Martin's was a dud and I couldn't tell if Martin was joking or serious. Maybe Rich didn't bother with the last link. I like Martin's original example that started this thread. Ideally those two who have the most experience with Kaneiye could teach us a few things here, by comparison and contrast of Martin's example and some of the known Kaneiye such as those here: http://blog.goo.ne.jp/tsuba_001/m/201108 Scroll down to see all the examples. After 12 years of study, I still have yet to hold and study an authentic Kaneiye. I have held and studied way too many of the other Kaneiye.

I didn't even recall there was a second generation. From a quick glance, I was pretty sure this was by the first generation. Here is a drastically overpriced one that has been up for sale for a few years: http://www.seiyudo.com/TU-080812.htm Viper- if you would be able to show a photo of the entire koshirae, I suspect it would be a pleasure to see ensuite.

Have you a photo of the entire koshirae to share?

I don't think this one Yagyu. However, I have seen a near identical one papered to Yagyu by the NBTHK. I didn't think it quite Yagyu either. Why no photos or images of the mimi? If it doesn't show the Yagyu layers in the mimi- just safer to assume this one is not Yagyu.

I agree. I would always like to talk to him more, but it seems this past decade has had many of us in survival mode of different degrees during what some are now jokingly calling, "the Not so Great Depression". I envy those who were able to go to San Fran and have long discussions over those topics of mutual interest. I would have liked the Goto display very much. I hope Craig's next pursuit is more rewarding to him and those he cares about. Curran

Mm. I agree.