Sansei

Okay, Bruce. I understand what you are getting at now. Thanks.

So, am I understanding that you don't believe the seller's description Bruce? "This is a genuine WWII-era exterior mount (koshirae) of the Type 98 Gunto, the standard sword issued to Imperial Japanese Army officers. The blade is a non-sharpened wooden substitute, likely inserted after the war to avoid confiscation during the Allied sword collection." This seems plausible to me. Why would a post-war, confiscation-era tsunagi be dated?

"Sorry that this turned out to be a big waste of time for you guys." Nicholas, since you received some good advice along the way to your decision, it was not a waste of time.

"Late-war Wooden Blade". If this is an accurate description, I'm not sure that I understand the "joke" Bruce.

I have had some interaction with Robert Hughes and would recommend him (and his spouse) highly. They are in Kamakura.

Good idea Luke. You may get more feedback on the signature and other characteristics of your purchase. At some point if the question of papering (shinsa) and/or polishing is suggested for your sword, you can evaluate the costs involved. Seems like a good starter piece at least.

Michael, I am not familiar with that website. On some websites and auctions the seller(s) may not know the difference(s) between authentic Japanese and "other" swords. You may want to let the vendor know that this is not an authentic Japanese sword. If they actually DO know, then I would avoid this website.

Just below this listing is another one for just the Fuller-Gregory book alone......$316.

I am just a tad above a "novice" and this blade would not have gotten any interest from me. Does not look like a genuine wakizashi all things considered. A person would have to be a total little-to-no knowledge beginner.

Very tempting purchase......

Just wondering if, generally, items like these are ever papered?

Thanks Peter. I bookmarked this link .

I shop at Goodwill sometimes and have found some bargains (not blades). This seems like it was an honest mistake.

On a recently restored Kiyondo blade and saya, I am having the Tanobe Sayagaki done. This katana is returning from shinsa Tokubetsu Hozon. I thought that an additional investment of $250 would be reasonable. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Dan C. The one for $1300 is impressive. I think I would be interested in something like that one or the other for $360. I had a deer hunter friend who kept all of his antlers piled up in his storage. Should have bought a couple from him and had a kake or two made.

I might be interested in a kake fashioned out of deer antlers? If anyone has a photo of one....please post. Thanks.

".......Just my philosophy about that." Bruce, I think that Alex A has the right idea though, wrt learning. Fewer mistakes are preferable I think.....follow the mind instead of the emotional heart. It will end up being less expensive: Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day. Teach a Man To Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime

Seems like a variation of the "bait and switch"?

As far as pure art works, I agree with Stephen. For me something like no. 77 would be more appealing. The market for this is just tsuba collectors? https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29559/lot/77/a-lacquer-and-shibayama-inlaid-ostrich-egge

Worth a million? Bullion is at 65.21 USD per gram so 200g around 13k USD. So you are paying for the unique artwork mainly. I will pass on this. Gold coins or bullion at 99.99 purity would be a more appropriate investment imo. 😊

Mine is just a comment on finding someone to do a restoration. Around 5 years ago, I posted a katana on this forum because it was rusted and the wood saya had been eaten away by termites. It had been stored away and not cared for in decades. I was totally ignorant about nihonto at that point. The katana had been given to my parents at their marriage by her father. To make a long story short, I posted here and several people who I cannot remember at this point....I would have to go back and read the thread.....suggested that I go to the SF sword show the following week and speak to a particular vendor who they recommended to me to possibly do the restoration. I went there and spoke to this vendor. I learned that he had been trained in Japan and had won awards for his polishing skills. He examined the katana and agreed to take on the job. He gave me a hand-written quote and contract on the spot that we both signed. Let me repeat that I never met the man prior to this and had no knowledge of his background.....only going by the recommendations of individuals on this forum. The polisher has submitted one katana for shinsa (Tokubetsu Hozon) and will send the restored katana also for shinsa, which is going on 4-5 years with COVID in between. Moral of the story: Trust has to be a person-to-person building process and be prepared to be patient.

I am not experienced in restorations and refurbished pieces, but Mike's description of events is very detailed. It does not seem made up to me. Would like to see more and perhaps a response or two from the other side.

I agree with Brian. Most of us don't have a dog in this fight. But the exact circumstances (i.e., facts) can allow dispassionate analyses prevail.

Or how about the US Postal Inspector doing a sting........asking too much? That's what we pay taxes for no?

On tsuba description for location of item: Japan, Japan. NO way would I go near this seller.