David Flynn

Field re- fits, didn't use antique handles (as far as I know).

If it doesn't have a stamp, reasonably safe to assume it''s a Gendaito. As for using Tamahagane, Unless it's a Star Stamp or Yasukuni blade, there really isn't anyway to be sure it was used. Unless there is a record of which smiths outside the RJT or Yasukuni (Minotagawa) who used it, one would never know. Also, how would he know it's pre 1939? There isn't a date on it. Also, it appears to be a put together.

They weren't classed as "Legendary" during the war. To the average Digger, it was just something to prove they won. Pretty much the same as collecting Luger's from the European Theatre. Also, the surrender ceremonies were used to rub salt into the wound.

My Dad was in the RAAF during the war. He was in a construction squadron, which built forward air - strips. He finished in Borneo and was there for the surrender. To attain a sword there was a pecking order. However, because he was so low on the Totem, he was in a raffle, but missed out.

I don't think it's been buffed, but I agree with Ray, a very amateur polish.

Arthur, contact Paul Martin. He is a member of board of modern artists ( can't remember the initials). I'm sure he will be able to help you.

I believe this sword has passed it's use by date. Why would you even bother. Put the money towards something better.

As with swords, if it doesn't have a paper, then you pay relative to that. A huge part of collecting is, the ability to trust oneself. Of course this takes many years of learning, but, this is the crux, learning. With the aid of the internet, there is so many oshigata that even if one doesn't have the appropriate books, one may check signatures for oneself. And of course, we have Shinsa. I'm generally not into Tosugu but I know people who are and there has been items that were thought to be gimei but the workmanship matched and then passed Shinsa. I have also seen both swords and Tosugu, that the consensus was they were right, which turned out to be gimei. So then, when buying any tosugu or sword without papers, if signed, consider them to be gimei. Of course there are exceptions, but that's just that, exceptions.

Many Gendaito and some Showato, are also found with Mon.

I have been under the impression that, the Saka stamp was just an acceptance stamp and and not a manufacturing arsenal. Even Gassan swords have been seen with the Saka stamp. Also, I believe the Saka Stamp, was only on the Nakago Mune.

If it's the Nidai Yoshichika, he made both Showato and Gendaito.

Kunimori were made post 1940.

Seeing as Yoshikawa Koen passed away many years ago and the NTHK then split in two different groups. I wonder now with more information that has come forth ( WW11 swords in general) , if pinking would still occur? Also, has anyone ever submitted a Kunimori to the NBTHK?

Instead of schools or smiths, lets just try and pick the era.

Kanbun shinto.

I'm enquiring about previous results. As said, a friend was told by his agent that the NBTHK, has had the sword since late last year.

I concur with Guido, in that one must learn to research smiths. There is now plenty of info on the web. One can just Google the name and in most cases some information comes to light. I'm only saying that, for those who don't have books, or too lazy to look them up. Don't forget the Nihonto Club, which has a link on the NMB. There will always some lesser known smith turn up and so cause some in depth research. However, doing ones own research is both rewarding and a great way to learn.

Does anyone know of any NBTHK shinsa results, this year? The reason I'm asking is that, a friend of mine has a sword submitted since the end of last year. According to his agent, the NBTHK wont release it. The sword is Koto Mumei and has been polished.

Yokoyama Kozuke daijo Sukesada, was the No1 Sukesada of the Shinto period.

As I understand it, they were in the Hope, of having them returned. I've never heard about a promise of return.

I didn't get to hold it, but I saw at the Juyo exhibt at the NBTHK.

Gassan Sadakazu 1st, made a Utushi of a Sadamune, that went Juyo.

Here I will agree with JP. One really needs to see many many swords. I've been collecting for nigh on 30yrs and have had the good fortune of seeing many many swords. Finding a genuine mentor is hard. I was ripped off a couple of times in the beginning, though I didn't realise as such untill my knowledge caught up. My mistake ( and most newbies) is trust. Unfortunately, there are too many "Collectors", who are only really concerned with their own acquirements but feign care for their "Protege".

Still doesn't explain the different Hada? Also, if this was the case, all the swords would be completely uniform.

Koa Isshin, have been seen with Itame, Mokume and Masame. To get these hada patterns, this is done during forging.