Lewis B

It's great you're trying to reconnect with some family history. You clearly have the bit between the teeth to know more and if it were me I would send high quality, clear images of the saya with a short message in Japanese to the well known makers in Japan. Tell them the name of your father and see if it jogs memories. Since it's not that long ago I wonder if one of them might recognise the saya decoration, which is quite distinctive, and provide more info on the blade. If the anecdote is true you could narrow down the possible smiths to those with mukansa status. Two I can think of off the top of my head that forged in styles that followed historical examples are Kawachi Kunihira and Gassan Sadatoshi. Another interesting details is the 12 swords per year. Officially certified swordsmiths are allowed to make up to 24 per year, so an output of 12 could be quite informative and a useful lead. This could mean the blade exceptionally fine if more time was spent making it. My gut feeling its a mukansa smith who could command high prices, allowing to make fewer blades and still make a living. You could also write to retailers like Ginza Seiyudo and see if they might have any suggestions. If you are lucky and can identify the smith I would then commission a blade in the same style to fit the saya so you can be made 'whole' again. Good luck on your worthy quest.

Thank you for the kind words @Hoshi. . Speaking of Ko-Bizen what is the opinion of this early tachi from Sukemura. Not a lot of info on this smith but it is signed and worthy of consideration even if it's seen many polishes in its life. It does appear to have some condition issues with one area on the ura side that is possibly fukure (?). It was offered for sale over 9 years ago for 12M yen. At 8M yen now, would this be a blade that might be considered favourably priced or could the condition be why it has not found a buyer? Blade is Juyo. https://www.toukenko...&katana_A040715.html

Safe to say you can be flattered. When I researched Yoshifusa on NMB posts your contributions were omnipresent. The level of academic study in this period, school and this smith in particular, are commendable, and I thought (correctly) that that this blade would be of particular interest to you. Yoshifusa is on the list of the goban-kaji of the Gotoba and that, in and of itself, makes this swordsmith of particular historical interest. As I said, the 28M seems quite reasonable for a signed goban-kaji work. There is a question mark regarding attributions as there were a couple of smiths in the 13th century who signed Yoshifusa according to Sesko, but the transitional features of the blade, and style of the Mei point to the earlier one, Yoshifusa (吉房), Tōjirō (藤次郎) from the Joei era.

No it's still available. As Piers says it's a 'contact us for price' listing. 28M yen, which on the face of it sounds like a reasonable ask given the importance of the smith. Looking forward to what Michael S (Gakusee) has to say about it.

This one is especially for @Gakusee who seems to have a soft spot for this maker. Standout nijimei Yoshifusa (my guess its Tojiro) 1232-33, given the size and shape of the Mei. Koshirae is rather nice too. https://www.samurai-...net/SHOP/V-2118.html

If you can its a unique opportunity in Europe to see and handle many high quality items from every era. The exhibitors are also a great source of info and have so much experience in Japanese swords, fittings and armour.

I will make inquiries and report back. The only information I have at the moment is what is in the announcement.

Tickets now on sale. Prices are significantly higher compared to 2024, though there is a Shinsa event on the Sunday (a first for JAF) with a limit of 2 blades per person. https://www.japanartfair.com/tickets/

I thought this was a Tintin character. In the English edition he's called Professor Calculus. Herge's Tintin was my favourite cartoon characters growing up (still is) and there is a fantastic museum just south of Brussels devoted to the man and his work. Well worth a visit.

Here is my Tensho koshirae being made in the workshop of the Okayama Museum. https://www.facebook...pcb.5810403085743944

That makes no sense. There are plenty of Nihonto listed on eBay.de

I want to believe something is lost in translation. Dear Mr Umut can you use a better translator (Deepl for example) and/or please post in a more respectful way.

Question for Tsuba experts. Some mention was made of the condition in the OP's example. Would a restoration by a professional return the metal to something like that in the last example? I have a good idea what a sword polish costs by a competant to a mukansa level togishi but not for a Tsuba. Approx what would a high quality restoration cost using the OP's as a starting point?

You're late to the party. Consensus is to stay well clear.

Certainly a possibility Ray. Definitely not something I'd bidding on.

Although given the pitting this would have to have been done a very long time ago. The corrosion being consistent with the rest of the nakago surface. This another of those Yahoo.jp caveat emptor listings with top tier 'attributions'.

"The blade is about 3 shaku 3 sun long! The blade weighs about 2 kg! This is a miraculous sword made by Kanemitsu that is not inferior to the national treasure "Okanohira", which is the treasure of the Ikeda family, and has all the three features of workmanship, condition, and history, so please do not miss this opportunity and let someone who will cherish it keep it as a family heirloom for the rest of their life." Red flags get raised when blades like this are not submitted for modern papers, especially when he makes comparisons with the Okanohira. The seller is clearly knowledgeable. Almost 300 bids so far with a day to go.

My guess? Likely had the smith's mei relocated there after a o-suriage shortening. The piece that was placed in that section looks to have either corroded away or become detached.

This one is exceptional and gives a nice example of the workmanship for comparison. Sold by Bonhams in 2011 for over $3000.

I believe he was active late 18th early 19th century, unless this is a later generation piece. Fine workmanship nonetheless. Price does not seem high although if you can get a little more off for the condition it would be worth asking.

Good comparo for the signature. Looks to be a good match. Based on the format of the listing the Tsuba was sold at least 6-7 years ago so I imagine prices have advanced quite considerably since then.

Thats interesting. I'm familiar with Dictum since I live in Germany but had no idea they stocked so many steel bar stock products (monosteel and prelaminated). They even have Tamahagane. Very cool

There is a Turkish kitchen knife maker called Mert Tansu in Australia who uses Hitachi steels (Shirogami #1, Aogami #2 and Aogami Super). He might be willing to sell some depending how much you need or at least let you know where he buys it. He also makes his own bloomery steel (Wootz).

Looks like a wall hanger piece to me.

In many instances do you really think you can tell the difference?