Franco

Dear Lex van der Jagt, You're welcome. Ladder utsuri is a type of utsuri that appears like rungs on a ladder only they run vertically between the ha and shinogi. "Ladder utsuri" may just be another name used for Herakage utsuri. https://markussesko....i-2-jigane-jihada-3/ . Herakage utsuri is described as patches. On the Ko Nio blade I studied the utsuri did in fact look more like rungs on a ladder than patches speaking descriptively. Btw, that Ko Nio blade was TH to Ko Nio and mounted as a cane sword as it was almost as straight as an arrow. Auguri,

To my eye none of the three tsuba presented present quality above average, not materially, not artistically. So, what you're left with is which of the three is #1, #2, and #3? There's really not much of a lesson to learn here. Study the best, then collect what you like.

Quality is the criteria for making all my choices. How do you determine and gauge quality? You begin by looking at the best, not by some measure in our own minds. A better question might be how would you grade these three tsuba? Ah, but first you have to have a scale. Grade and quality in comparison to what?

None of the above.

Agree, When enlarging the image three times it looks like more of the "swept sands" formation that makes up the upper portion of the hamon, only it wasn't highlighted in the same manner as the connecting activity. Utsuri? Ladder Utsuri?

https://shibuiswords.com/unsignedTsuba.htm As you were.

You're missing the point.

How would you know without first studying it in hand.

Regarding mei; looks to be 1st generation, close to Sesko Meikan example, but hurried imho. Shinsa is the way to know for certain. Based upon the only example that I could find linked below for comparison, I would say no. Please, make up your own mind. https://tsubashi.com...rumasa-FK-set-01.jpg

High quality shakudo will repatinate itself given time. The lower the quality of the shakudo the greater the chance it will not recover back to where it was originally. In fact, even chemical inducement may end in disappointment. Good quality shakudo when repatinated will not only take but will continue to become richer in the depth of color and be evenly distributed. One of the keys to a properly restored piece is that the restoration cannot be detected even by sharp eyes, "doesn't look new."

Niente. There is so much to learn and remember. In moving forward many levels of materials and workmanship will be encountered. It is very helpful to objectively/critically grade each piece (fittings/swords) regardless of whether you own it or not, buy it or not.

Dear Patrice, sorry, I cannot tell you which technique was used in the plating of the flowers on this f/k set. At least not without close examination to figure it out or at least venture a guess. One thing that I'm puzzled about is that these do not appear to be Botan, that is peony flowers. Ah, Kiku, yes, that's much better!

Thank you for sharing. Is it possible to see a close up of the boshi on both sides? Thanks in advance.

Has anyone stopped to consider that this textured background on the subject tsuba is actually intended to be an ishimei and not nanako? p.s. one reason for collecting quality pieces is that all of the elements are clear and well defined, unambiguous.

The key to making a decision will come down to understanding the outcome vs cost. Typically, a collector will go through these considerations before making a purchase and not in hindsight. Be that as it may; If the mei is shoshin, then a polish could be rationalized depending. A new polish would mean having a new shirasaya and habaki made, and that is the proper way to store a newly polished blade. You can have the saya maker make a tsunagi for the mounts. Being suriage this sword may only achieve hozon origami, both of which will affect resale value, a consideration. So, it may come down to what this sword means to you personally in deciding how much you're willing to spend on restoration. Regardless, if you keep it as is keep it oiled and keep a close watch on it to make certain the rust does not progress.

Gettin' there. Appreciate the sharing, thanks.

The reason Japanese recommend to begin learning and studying the best swords possible (and Japanese sword furniture as well), is so that when we see "bad" swords and Japanese sword furniture it hurts your eyes. Now let's see, where did I leave those eye drops?

https://shibuiswords.com/unsignedTsuba.htm

Tail leans towards Ho-o/Phoenix. Take them to a jeweler and have them tested. My guess is that they are not gold and are a cast set of menuki. Often it is difficult to tell without looking at the backs of menuki to tell the difference between leaf and solid. In this case I'm betting neither.

The question of origin is not in dispute. Further, mounts do not confirm the sword just as the mei does not confirm the sword! As I recall, unless things have changed, at both the first shinsa I attended and at the second shinsa that I worked at, all swords had to be stripped down of all mounts including habaki before being submitted and judged. Mounts don't confirm the sword! Showato??? Brian, did you forget to take your meds this morning? After carefully looking over these images once again, my guess is that this sword is an elaborate copy. There is nothing in the images that suggests otherwise. Despite the fact that this sword is out of polish, it appears that this sword never received a "proper polish." The burden of proof is with the sword. Hopefully this turns out to be a traditionally made Japanese sword and I am wrong, but it will be the sword itself that confirms that fact. Experienced collectors do their homework in advance.

Based on what evidence! It is irresponsible to mislead someone into thinking/believing that they have a true nihonto (made from tamahagane, hand forged, water quenched) without evidence that that is in fact so. Welcome. There are a number of polishers available here in the States that you can contact. Shigekazu "Jimmy" Hayashi/San Francisco, Woody Hall/ Las Vegas?, Ted Tenold - ted@legacyswords.com, Bob Benson/ Bushido swords Hawaii, as well as Takeo Seki/BC in Canada to name a few. Polishers can also be found in attendance at Japanese sword shows. Also, Shinsa are held here in the U.S. periodically, so unless there is some urgency sending the sword to Japan is a choice. Check this forum; Sword Shows, Events, Community News and Legislation Issues for show/shinsa announcements. Good luck.

You are not wrong. This sword could be shown to a polisher who will be able to determine if it is a genuine nihonto or just an elaborate copy. If genuine, a window could then be opened to reveal its workmanship. This with the understanding that the sword could still fail to pass shinsa. Yes, this sword is collectible. But a collectible "what" still has to be answered.

Antique, yes. Hand forged from tamahagane and water quenched still to be determined.