charlesf

Please read my post properly,I asked if it was reasonable to suppose the same relationship that Obata had with Kobayashi Yasuhiro which was that of PROFESSIONAL SWORD TESTER. It would also be extremely naive to turn a blind eye to the politics and finances involved in the world of Japanese swords which have existed throughout history,so kindly climb down from the saddle of your high horse. charles.

Thank you very much! charles.

A few questions about Minamoto Yoshichika,would be grateful for any help and comments that members might have,thanks in advance. Shibamishima.Yoshichika is said to be 'from' Shibamishima,a Google search shows no results however there is an area of Tokyo called Shiba and I wondered if two names had been run together i.e. Shiba and Mishima,being Mishima street or district.Can anyone clarify? Yoshichika and Nakayama Hakudo.Would it be reasonable to suppose that they shared the same relationship as Obata/Yasuhiro,Hakudo demonstrating blades in exchange for swords for personal use?The sale of 490 tested swords to members of the Imperial Guard must have been a considerable boost to Yoshichika's bank account. Imperial swordsmith.In 'Samurai Swords for the Material Battle' the author suggests that the Emperor 'called' Yoshichika to Tokyo (from where?) and made him an Imperial Swordsmith,a fact that I cannot find to be corroborated anywhere else. Hakudo's personal swords.I recall reading somewhere about one of Hakudo's personal swords,long blade either 29" or 31" in what I can only describe as toppei koshirae,is anyone familiar with this?I don't mean the YouTube uploader with the shiny hakama. Thanks for any help/links that you are able to provide. charles.

An interesting blade but the 'nagashi' (polisher's marks) are questionable and the patina at the top of the nakago looks a little 'loose'. charles.

Some years ago I bought an Emura in auction at Stamford,I had been sent on a 'mission' by my pal Yorkie who declared his non-interest when I told him about the signature! In type 98 mounts the blade was in good polish and had a really nice choji-gunome hamon,cost about £300 + train fare from York and back,it was a good sword so I'm not sure how the signature thing worked out. One of my current Emura has the 'Chounsai Emura saku' signature which I reckon to be a custom order with slight koshi-zori and a narrow gunome hamon bordering on juzuba in Suya sword shop mounts. charles.

A truly international endeavour . . . . For sale in the UK. Sold in the US. A great addendum provided by an Aussie! Thanks and regards, charles.

Kyu-gunto was 'passed'. Nagamitsu made £1,100 hammer. charles.

A taster . . . . charles.

Whilst not really my thing I was quite impressed by Lot 3564 in Toovey's upcoming sale on 26th November of edged weapons,firearms,medals and militaria. There is also a heap of gunto,one 'Nagamitsu',see; https://www.tooveys.com/online-catalogue/firearms-and-edged-weapons charles

Steven, Tachi-mei is a sword where the signature faces away from the body when the sword is worn with cutting edge down. Katana-mei is when the signature faces out with cutting edge worn up. charles.

Jan is referring to a different sword in another auction ; charles.

This is the 'Toshihide' from the Mike Noel collection sold by Dore & Rees ? regards, charles.

Never mind,you've kept your powder dry for another adventure. Did you see the Cadmore Hideaki has resurfaced? best regards, charles.

I agree,the buyer was obviously convinced that this was Horii Toshihide,I had some doubts . . . . unless it was made just before he passed away when his work was not its best. charles.

Yes,I watched,you made a good call on price,well done! charles.