DTM72

Something that may also help with loading pics, load one pic at a time. If you choose more than one, it sometimes causes trouble.

Sorry, my simple brain is not getting it. Do you have pictures or a sketch of your example? Tsuba only go on one way and cannot be mounted upside down. The nakago-ana (the tang hole in the tsuba) is normally a somewhat triangle shape and can not go on edge up or edge down. It CAN be put on with the kozuka hitsu-ana and kogai hitsu-ana reversed, but not upside down. Additionally, why do you think the tsuba is upside down or mounted "edge up"? Tsuba are generally symmetrical and don't have an edge to be mounted up or down. (See earlier comment about nakago-ana) Due to the sori of the blade, it would be impossible to noto (return the blade to the saya) a katana unless you roll the saya 180 degrees, on a tachi mount. Once it is back in the saya, it could then hang as a tachi. Sorry in advance, I have an old, slow brain and I need pictures.

I would like that, yes. You can accept 5 other swords and cash, right? lol

@mdiddy will you have this in Chicago in a few weeks?

When I first stumbled upon this, I thought it was a pieced-together monstrocity of a naval saya with a Type 3 tsuka and Type 98 tsuba. Once I looked closer I realized this was actually assembled this way. I would guess this officer came from a well to do family and spared no expense for his koshirae. Now I really wonder what blade was in there. Maybe as @dwmc says it was a Gassan blade, or maybe it was a very old and valueable family blade. Has anyone noticed the markings on the tsuba? I can't really tell but one looks like the na symbol for Nagoya. Anyone have any guesses on the tsuba markings?

Can't say I have ever seen a type 98 koshirae of this caliber before. Sharkskin saya, laquered ito on the tsuka, different menuki on each side, 4 seppa on each side of the tsuba...Quite unusual all around. Found this on eBay from a Japan seller. Can post link if someone wants it.

Glad I was not drinking something when I read that! lol

Matt Brice has one for sale on his website. https://stcroixblades.com/shop/products/Japanese-police-shin-gunto-sword-from-the-plimpton-collection-premium-condi/

Sorry for the misleading title. Saw this video and had to share. I think this is Samurai Monkey from eBay polishing/sharpening a blade for sale.

Got my papers earlier this week. Much Appreciated!

Maybe this guy? https://nihontoclub.com/smiths/KAN533

I have bought many items from Takako, tsuba, tsuka, saya, kogai, kozuka, but never a blade. I have never had any trouble with their items or descriptions. I'm hoping this was a one-off situation. Wishing you the best, Dan

Was really wondering if other had received their paperwork. I thought I would see others posting about their new arrivals. I know I was a little anxious waiting for their arrival.

Got home today to find a couple things waiting for me.

Yeah, but it is from a field officers curtains!

That boshi is seriously close to the edge! Hope you got a really good deal on this one. In my opinion, EVERY Nihonto you hold is a learning experience. It is best to hold many that belong to others before spending on one that you will own. Most of us on here have made a bad purchase at one time. Every one of us was a newbie at one point. Keep your eye on the sales page and dealer pages here. You can find good deals on good and excellent quality Nihonto on these pages. Wishing you the best, Dan

Here is another one for ya @Bridges . I thought this was a field officer grade kyu...at first look. The backstrap detail is off and the kamon does not look right either. eBay find. https://www.ebay.com/itm/394425182118?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1eZRbcikyTDKPD_ngTOTLXA45&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=394425182118&targetid=1587262742577&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=1025628&poi=&campaignid=15275224983&mkgroupid=131097072938&rlsatarget=pla-1587262742577&abcId=9300697&merchantid=656289094&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm4HwqsTZ_QIV9xXUAR1CfQ8mEAQYAyABEgJHyvD_BwE

I was guessing black since it appears darker than the saya cover leather that is brown. It does not apprear much darker, but just a shade. <-- trying to guess at a black and white photo. lol

You are 100% right. My 16 year old daughter will jump up and say "Don't touch the blade! Please read the signs!" She gets more angry than I do. lol. She will grab the microfiber and wipe the blade afterwards. Good kid.

Black leather tsuka cover?!?!?!

I had some classes in Gary/Hammond, Indiana in 1998. Most of us were not from that area. We were all warned to stay indoors after dark and to NOT drive around the area. That was 25 years ago, and I'm told it has gotten even worse since then. Back to the ITK, see you guys in Chicago!

I agree with everything you said!

I actually had a table right behind Ray in Vegas earlier this year. A really decent guy and as honest seller. He has a contact in Japan that sends items to him. I didn't ask directly on this lot, but some things are listed as described from his supplier.

A seller on eBay has posted these items as "Teppo-Hinawa-ju tool set, Edo period antique, Japanese matchlock soldier set." https://www.ebay.com/itm/266165819954?mkevt=1&mkpid=0&emsid=e11021.m43.l1120&mkcid=7&ch=osgood&euid=569962a81189403e8bb058d941d08b82&bu=43192445835&ut=RU&exe=0&ext=0&osub=-1~1&crd=20230310075055&segname=11021 Can anyone identify these items?