David Flynn

I've found two Katsunaga so far. One, signed Mikawa Katsunaga and another Unshu Katsunaga, there could be others. As for smiths making swords for the Army and Navy, this was a regular occurrence. In fact, even Yasukunito have turned up in Kaigunto mounts. There is one on ebay at present. A kaigunto mount with a Yasumitsu blade.

You wouldn't be prejudice would you Chris? :lol:

Chinese :D

Welcome Les.

I have met some people who have become blinded by what they think they have, as to what they really have. Unfortunately, being human we come with prejudices and bias. These two traits affect different people different ways. When I look at a sword, I try to be as objective as possible. When I look at a sword, I begin with the cons rather than the pros. This prevents me from becoming too excited and I begin to weigh the cons against the pros, including future sales. I never buy a sword with the view, that I will keep it forever. There are factors, such as "Trading in", or maybe to raise some cash, that I take into account. The point I'm really trying to make is, I know people who believe they can research a sword fairly well and become shocked, when told by Shinsa that they have something completely different. I have seen swords with polishers papers, that receive something completely different at shinsa. I have seen swords submitted to both NTHK and NBTHK and receive totally different attributions (mumei). I also have seen Gimei swords submitted where people are astounded they are Gimei. There are just so many factors in sword appraisal, that makes collecting so interesting.

Chris, that still doesn't really answer the question, you didn't say how you rate them. Also I'm curious as to what other members think. After all they are only opinions.

So far the comments are on the sword soc. How about Shibata, Hon'ami and Polishers papers?

How much importance do you place on Sword papers? Do you consider NBTHK more Realiable than NTHK? Why? How about Shibata papers, Hon'ami papers and polishers papers? Is the importance of papers more a "Western", approach? This is just my own curiosity working overtime here. I'm a Gendai collector and am able to check the Signatures pretty well. However, Gimei Gendaito turn up! Whenever I have a sword polished, or the Shinsa comes to town, I have my swords papered. How about you? So far so good, 100% pass rate.

Does this sword have an arsenal stamp?

I just can't help feeling that NTHK believed there was something seriously wrong with this sword to call it Gimei. Admittedly, there is some faith involved here.

It's NOTHING, really,

Kaneshige?

Kam, my apologies about the hada, must have been the lights in the showroom.

One of the reasons this sword was knocked back, was the Yasurimei. This particular sword of Kams' Yasurimei, ended in the shape of a Diamond, just below the habaki. In all the Emura blades and oshigata I've seen, this trait has never been present. I'm not saying, there never has been, just the ones I've seen. Also the hada in this sword, appeared Muji.

Thanks for the update Kam.

Sounds like excuses Keith?

According to Morita San, it was the Gunto exhibition of 1943.

Sorry Jim, I saw the book, it was very large, but in Japanese.

Unfortunately, in Australia we don't have any sword clubs. Each state has it's own clique and it's hard for beginners to make a good start. We are fortunate in that Adrian Schlemmer took the initiative to orginise the last two shinsa. May I say, that I have been happy, to have been of assistance and hope that these events, have brought the Australian collectors a little closer together.

Steve, would scan the worksheet and post it please. I'm very interested in seeing it.

It was a brilliant sword. Gordon had a book that showed it's brother/sister. One side, Sudarebar , by Tamba (no) no Kami Yoshimichi 4th Gen. The other Side, Choji, Kawachi (no) Kami Kunisuke 2nd Gen. We also had a 2nd Gen, Kawachi (no) Kami Kunisuke, on display.

G'day James, welcome aboard.

Unfortunately, when an overseas shinsa is occurring, there are a few contributing factors of why mistakes occur. The limited amount of books the team can carry with them. The amount of swords coming through. Even the possibility of jet lag. I'm not making excuses for anyone, just pointing out what occurs. As far as I'm aware, this occurs with all traveling Shinsa teams. Not all judgement can be right 100% of the time. I know of people who have submitted their swords in Japan to more than one Soc. and have received two different papers? Which one is right? Obviously the one with the highest graded smith. :lol:

First thing that should ring alarm bells. Paid $40,000 but will sell for $4,000.

No, this can attest to the strength of the sword. I have seen a Shinshinto sword that had been badly bent and caused hada like this and it definitely didn't have a hagiri.