David Flynn

The middle one is in Soshu script. Many smiths used both types.

Someone, I believe said earlier, the Lack of Disposable Income, amongst the younger generations. (Scenario) if I can't afford a Japanese sword, why would I bother to study them? Also, I came into the hobby later than most of my contemporaries, but still managed to find some that were in hiding. Those days, with the passing of the 2nd WW veterans, finding brought backs is virtually gone. I also found that the searching for brought backs, led me to increase my knowledge (one needs to know what one is looking at). I do feel, that a major part in collecting has now passed.

I think from now on, Americans would be better off buying swords from reputable dealers and sword shows in the US. International trade has now become a quagmire.

I was told, the de-registration period, has been increased to 4wks. Anyone able to elaborate on this?

If in fact, the Boshi does run off, this blade can't get papers, so not worth buying.

Looking at the photos, it looks like the Boshi runs off.

Sugata, could be Momoyama.

These are presentation swords, from the early Showa Period. Most came with Showa To, however, I have seen one with a Gendaito.

23rd Gen. Kanefusa.

What's the old saying? You can lead a horse to water..........

Michael, I agree with you there. Just because there is an accepted date, doesn't mean that everything changed overnight. I have another one I find interesting. I have a Harima Ujishige katana dated 1789. By the date, it's classed as Shinshinto, however, I would still class it as Shinto.

I have a Dotanuki Kozukenosuke. According to records and book listings, he listed as Shinto, 1596- 1615. However, the Sugata, is definitely Momoyama! Personally, I would still class this sword as Koto. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a nengo.

It looks like a Chinese copy.

Osuriage, cut down from a Katana, maybe. Also, it looks like the kissaki has been re-shaped.

USPS, is being gutted on purpose. They want privatisation.

Looks like late Edo Mino, to me.

He wants to know about the durability, I think.

I haven't seen one for awhile. They usually have Mokume or Omokume hada, with a Mino style Hamon and Hataraki.

John, I think you mean Late Meiji. His first ten years are classed as Shinshinto.

Signed Kanemichi, or Kanenao .

I have been receiving unsolicited messages from someone, even though I have asked them to stop.

Quite possibly, Kazu uchi Mono.

I saw this sword in person, at the NBTHK Museum, while it was on the new Juyo display.

Chinese copy unfortunately. Not worth much.

Also, Sadakatsu is third Gen, in the modern Gassan Tradition. Sadayoshi, Sadakazu, then Sadakatsu.