Tom Darling

I'd like to know if you have the seppa tsuba that would fit this blade? Tom D.

Jacques, I would never have guest of 1st gen Muramasa, It is the most serene 1st gen. I have ever seen. Completely different from tanto (active) hamon of 1st. gen. Thank you for showing. Tom D.

Shinto, similiar to Kunisuke, I agree with Robert. Peace Tom D.

Like to see both sides of tsuba. Thanks. Tom D.

It appears to be suriage, make it seem older, but, maybe ubu! Tom D.

Peter, thank you very much for your most interesting contributions on swords, etc. Peace. Tom D.

Robert, You made a good point, if Tsuruta said, "never seen one like it." That is a tip off. Tom D.

I respectfully would call the horimono, 'Jimmy Doolittle Bomb Craters.' It serves as a reminder of commemorating, The Memory of their Ancestors. Peace. Tom D.

Omitting juyo papers is tantamount to ( double dealing) fraud. An entity will buy the sword for themselves and who would know! I've had my share of being taken for a ride. Tom D.

Joe, I am speechless, you have prize. Congratulations. Tom D.

I Like it, very nice Barry. Tom D.

Mark, I have never seen a blade, where you see the hamon on one side, but not the other. This is news to me. Thank you. Tom D.

Show the mounts. Tom D.

JT, How do you know, which, paper (grn or yelo) is authentic or correct, on either a signed or unsigned sword. Tom D.

Greg, Glad to have you aboard for a wonderful journey into the world of nihonto. Dr. Compton, I knew very well. Your uncle was fortunate to have it examined (he was a Dr you know) to a koto blade. I assume it was not signed by the maker, and is called a (unsigned) mumei sword.. Would like to see a pic of it someday. Cheers. Tom D.

Hamfish, I'd like to know, how long it takes to arrive in Poland. I assume $110.00 includes insurance. Thank you. Tom D.

JT, I am sure, I am not alone, when I tell you that, I've had three different green paper attributions on one mumei katana in five years. Between the NTHK and NBTHK, and there all considered good! Cheers. Tom D.

Ray, I am glad I brought this up, one kaji was Munemitsu, other Is a blank? Appreciate the pic. and info. Thanx. Tom D.

It appears that the kassaki is dull, not sharp? Peace. Tom D.

I recall seeing one several years ago. Signed late koto Bizen katana with kaji mei on each side, both had different hamon. Has anybody ever seen a sword made by two kaji. If you have any pic from books, or origami from NBTHK kindly post them. It's either a katana or tachi THank you. Tom D.

Has anyone noticed the end of the leather cover, it appears that a portion of the leather (cup?) is missing? This one is different. I am just guessing. Tom D.

We might as well see the whole package, unless I missed it. The tsuba (guard) is the piece, take pic. of both sides. Thank you. Tom D.

I appreciate you agreeing with me Robert, in having it attributed to the Shimada school. Tom D.

Never have a fake signature removed, it will be worth less money unsigned. Sure you can send the sword to Japan for shinsa. They will not issue papers on a gimei sword, and recommend to have it removed for their appraisal. You may get an attribution to the school. If the blade was koto period they may give an attribution to a (kaji) maker. They also may not accept it because of condition, and you would need to have it polished. Now your talking an estimate around $5000.00. Welcome to the world of Nihonto. Best wishes and good luck. IMHO. Tom D.

Lo and Behold! Aoi has a nice Nobuyoshi with (yasuri) papers as we speak. As for the Akihide made for the Emperor, it is preposterously too gaudy. The Emperor apparently wisely declined acceptance. However, the Itomaki no tachi koshirae is good, and worth more then the blade. Thank you all, and good night.