robinalexander

Kris. I am not familiar with Mink Oil but I have always used Renapur ...best thing since sliced bread. Search "everywhere" on NMB for RENAPUR and you will pick up a lot of info on that plus other dressings.

Thanks Caden, Looks old and very interesting to me. Pierced tsuba, full set of seppa, aluminium saya which while not rare, is certainly a lot less common and often associated with higher class fittings. Looks like the Tsuka also had a Mon attached ...most probably removed by the original owner prior to/on surrender (WW2) ....quite common unfortunately. @Nobody The Mei is not clear (is Emura a possibility ?) ..... is it possible to get a better picture of the kanji which look like their almost gone. Sometimes talcum powder sprinkled on lightly then wipe off with the fleshy part of your palm. That might bring it out a little more. Who knows someone might have a crack at it. If Nobody can't, then nobody can.

This probably should be in the translation section @Scogg but I will have a guess at ku-ju or 90 and if I get past that hurdle I will say it is possibly an assembly number. Once it hits translation section we will know for sure. Don't put too much weight on my answer just yet. By the way Caden, the tsuka and accompanying fittings look like nice and possibly higher quality. I'm sure there would be others apart from me who might like to see more of your sword, if you were so inclined. Rob

Lucy, apologies in advance for going off topic but I just couldn't help smiling when I read this this morning. If you and your husband intend to have a stop over in OZ either to or from Japan, your are most welcome to peruse my collection....you have already described a couple of my 'treasures' LOL. All the best. Rob

Ditto

Well I for one, will take you word for that Jalia. Not real.

Yep Koto blade so its had a few koshirae in its time. In centre as per Type 94

I dont think this really qualifies as a 'combat cover' but its interesting. Came on my first sword (from the UK) and it has always intrigued me. That's a burn mark on top. Not sure on the purpose (sweat cover?) or whether a wartime or post war addition ... a bit crude all the same.

Hi John, That's a nice Kai package. Just a further note on Renapur. I don't want to go off topic but this does relate directly to preservation of combat covers. I use Renapur all the time for all dressed leather but have had some comments in the past that its too sticky and messy. You would also know this, but for the un-initiated, it IS very sticky and messy initially but liberally apply and leave your saya/cover hanging for 2 to 3 days and it will totally disappear into the leather. Then a VERY light but brisk polish with microfibre cloth will bring up what shine is left in the leather but now also with a rich natural brown colour and far fewer cracks. One of the best leather products I have ever used. Rob

Lol ...yes Chris I took it. Could be optical illusion ? For interest, it's 越前國継 - Echizen Kunitsugu

Sorry Marcin, not possible BUT if it ever comes into my possession...I will be happy to post. Provided I was able to safely remove the combat cover which is unlikely.

Another on a very nice old blade with a sword guy in Melbourne.

Hi Steven @Swords you certainly bring a lot of swords 'to the table' and that is always interesting thanks. However seeing were a little off topic anyway ... have you ever considered becoming a GOLD member? ... that would help the Forum in a tangible way.

Thankyou Koichi-san @Nobody very much appreciated.

This is the second and last sword owned by the old gentleman I (with your help) am assisting to downsize. Apparently he bought it in a 'job lot' of guns and swords many years ago with no saya. I think the mei could be Yukimitsu but can't find anything on that smith so I'm probably wrong. I have no idea on the Tsuba mei. My first thoughts on the sword mei were pretty negative as it looks overly simplistic but the Higaki Yasurime and maybe good tsuba made me think this may quite genuine. By the way, I'm not in the market for either blade. Tks

thank you guys....In the circumstances I going for a possible Fukuda Sukemitsu. I appreciate your time and research and I think the owner will as well. He sent me pics of his second (and last) blade with no saya for comment and it is a little more interesting.....will post as well in translation section as it has a tsuba mei as well.

LoL ....Thanks Mal, you have given me something tangible I can work from. Pls don't ask to see the rest of the blade/kissaki ....not good. But he is a nice old chap who's had it for years and he is putting together some notes so he can sell it ... he has my opinion on its value which is not much. Tks again Rob

Also Imo fake Baz. The only numbers I am used to seeing in that area are on the blade just above the habaki but only occasionally on coppers (see Pattern 1 pic). Everything else, IMO buyer beware and never flags. I could list many other 'problems' with it but I think your aware of those. .

Greetings...an acquaintance is selling this (ruined) blade and was asking about smith. The whole thing is a goner, but it is what it is. Translation would be appreciated so I can relay. Thankyou

I must be way out of touch. My recollection was market price being around 2600 USD (4k AUD). Clearly, living in the past.

This is certainly a very nice example of a late copper with matching numbers. If I'm not mistaken, it could also be a record price?

a few of the Type 97's seem to have IJA Menuki (?)

Dee, give it a break.

Agreed John, IMO Ranapur is the absolute best.