DTM72

One last piece to this puzzle. The kanji that looks like MICHI 道 but is different. The parts on the left look the same but the parts on the inside are different. To me Michi looks like a person pushing a pallet jack with a stack of pallets and a see-saw on top. The character that is giving me trouble is the person pushing the pallet jack, but has a stick figure wearing a dress. Like Mori 林 is two sticks wearing dresses, but I only need one wearing a dress, riding on the pallet jack. 正 = Masa 宗 = Mune ? 次 = Tsugu

You guys are 110% awesome! Got home last night just before midnight. Unpacked all 4 matchlocks, all the swords and inspected my new katana closely. I knew it was long, but actually put a measure to it. 29.250" (74.3 cm) She's a healthy girl.

Are you referring to Roger Robertshaw the Hizento author?

She’s going to shinsa in Chicago so hopefully I’ll get some help, and papers, at that shinsa.

Will take some good pics in the next couple days. On plane now and won’t arrive home til late tonight. 28”+ katana with masame hada that almost become ayasugi in spots and LOTS of sunagashi, tobayaki, inazuma, kinsuji, etc. Quick tease pic from hotel last night added below. Gotta go now, plane is on the taxi way to the runway. Dan

From Facebook, 王子： prince 三： three 狐： fox 運者有天 善長者戰 It is a Classical Chinese covered to Japanese meaning: For those with fate would be awarded by gods For those talented worriers would prevail in battles.

All packed up and heading to the airport soon. 🙁 The Las Vegas Japanese Sword show was awesome. Mark Jones did an excellent job of arranging this show. Special guests Mike Yamasaki, Brian Tscherna, Woody Hall, and Rick from Pawn Stars were a great addition to the show. For polishing, we had Woody, Jimmy Hayashi and Bob Benson’s son in attendance. Great info from all 3 of them. I sold 3 swords before the show even started. Sold three more on Friday and two more on Saturday. Of course, I bought some stuff too. Took a tanto and wakizashi on trade late yesterday so may be posting those soon for sale. As of right now, Mark is making arrangements to have the show again next year. Make it if you can, you will not be disappointed. Dan

A few more before I take off for home. Woody showing the ART of polishing. Brian Tscherna (spelling) had a great demonstration of Habaki making. Mike Yamasaki had an awesome lecture on kantei.

@SteveM Mike Yamasaki was thinking the same thing. A collaboration between two smiths but could not figure out the remainder.

Any idea on the other? The grass type script is tough. I bought the sword today regardless of the signature.

Rick, Mike and Mark chatting in front of my table.

No one?

This one has a lot of us stamped. So much to translate it is hard to figure out what it is actually saying. Please help!

I had to take a picture of your awesome shirt! @Toryu2020 @Rivkin

More to come tomorrow. Mark has arranged one hell of an event. @matthewbrice @Mark @Rivkin @mdiddy@brannow

Sorry so slow to reply with updates. The show has gone well so far. Met lots of new friends and finally put some names with faces.

I've already got a sign made to put on the table. Got ya covered Brian!

What I was taught by an old timer is that for every .100 inch (2.54mm) of bore, 10 grains of powder can be used. When firing my 6 monme teppo, I started with 20 grains, then 30 grains, and finally settled on 40 grains as it was enough to propel the ball acurately to 20 yards. (18.2 meters) I figure I could start with maybe 5 grains of powder, and work my way up. Planned bore will be around .250" (6.35mm) or about .5 monme. I really don't plan to shoot lead down the barrel, probably just powder and a thick wadding.

I am all packed up, ready to fly-out tomorrow morning. I will be bringing 5 katana, 6 wakizashi, 3 tanto, and 4 teppo (matchlocks). I will be sharing a table with Roger Robertshaw, Hizen expert. He requested a wall table and is bringing a full suit of armor. i will have a small sign with the NMB logo and my screen name "DTM72". Stop by and say hello, buy my junk so I can buy other junk. Dan

It was anti tank not anti aircraft or anti people. What is the problem? <~~ Please read sarcasm into that comment.

So I have this cute little guy. Looks like all he needs is a hole down the bore and a hole across from the pan to the bore. Seems simple enough. Not looking to do serious target practice, just make it operational.

See you in a few days. Already packed and ready to go.