Winchester

Thank you, Tim. I appreciate the further context.

I wish to be respectful with a brief comment as this is a sale. These items in my opinion will sell no issues. In the USA, right now a lot of people have to pay taxes or complete them. While things are a bit slower for collecting across categories; timing from now until mid April is our tax season. Just a statement of fact; nothing more. Hope this helps provide context as to a potential “why”.

Thanks, Franco! That makes a lot of sense. Appreciate it!

Hi Peter, Thank you for your note. I am just waking up and will update later today with more information. Thank you

Thank you, Peter. Truly a pleasure to view and study; thank you for the links.

Greetings, Hope all is well wherever this message finds you. This was an impulse buy and curiosity about six months ago and I’m asking for assistance in further directing me or general thoughts. These menuki are gold, but very, very thin……almost to the extent it is just gold foil and then they have a sap or pine it smells like supporting the shape. note on the one Shishi, it’s foot got twisted but shows just how thin the gold foil is. Question: why is this? Was this indicative of early gold menuki? Photos don’t capture well, but they are somewhat detailed. General thoughts? Thank you in advance for your time and consideration in responding. Brian

Sending PM. Thank you

First, thank you kindly for sharing; it is a neat tsuba. Whereas I am not an expert commentator, just a student of early iron tsuba, my opinion is that this is not muromachi and likely early to mid Edo. My reasoning is design, geometry, and overall aesthetic. Just an opinion

Looks like Kanayama and it's really nice. If you bought that randomly off of eBay, you certainly have a good eye. Cool.

This is an example I ran across the other day. Not sure if this is what you’re referring to but hope it helps.

Thunder...Thunder...Thunder Cats...Whoa!!! LOL Haven't thought about that cartoon since I was a kid Tcat, thanks for the memory. If it would be of interest and relative to your original post, I have seen F/K in this style with 'only the vine(s)' present. If this is of value or interest, please let me know and I'll dig some examples up within the next 24 hours. My guess is you're looking for examples with more robust design/details; that is, including the other elements shown initially?

Hope all is well wherever this message finds you. Thank you in advance for asking for help on this one, I have tried to figure it out for a while and just haven't had luck. What does the paper say? At first glance, I think nanban, then arabesque pattern, but with koi fish...I just don't really know. Has a lovely patina and this is the paper that came with it. Thanks, again and I will make a donation to the forum for the help.

Sounds like a great buy--sometimes, it's all due to timing. Of course, the other end of the spectrum is overpaying...don't drink and bid, friends.

OP, I will provide feedback that as a newer collector of about 3-4 years, I learn far more by networking, going to shows and watching what few, quality, videos I can find online. While I study daily, there is no replacement in my limited experience to talking in person to experts and collectors or a few days at a show. In summary, I echo the advice to review pieces in hand and ask questions. I will note that as you continue to dive deeper in your understanding, the art becomes more impactful and rewarding.

The o-kissaki is impressive in the photos. Thank you for sharing.

Not really sure how to run an acid test on this without marking it up good. Hmmmm... Doesn't really matter to me, but I would like to be accurate.

Thank you, Franco. Regarding it being solid, I am just referring to the goat. I'll test it this weekend if I have a chance.

I should add that i tested it with a magnet and it was not magnetic; have not performed a gold test, but feel confident. Will check when I have the time. Thank you for allowing me to share and any thoughts/feedback you may have.

Recently picked this up and thought it was cool. I believe this is a goat; solid gold; very fine lines/engraving that are hard to capture in the photo. Thoughts on meaning or interpretation? I am guessing it has to do with the Chinese Zodiac? Thanks in advance

Alex, that is true from the materials I have read.

Hi John, On the first tsuba, it almost appears that the eyes are not gilt; rather, that they are brass. Probably just my interpretation of the photo. Very cool and thanks for sharing!

Stephen brought up a good idea. If you are able to make it to the Orlando show this summer, you could start the process there and would presumably not need to send it abroad.

Andrew, this sword is a stunner and the history documented on the holster; truly remarkable. Please continue to ask any and all questions you may have here. Ignore any offers or requests that you may receive online or in person, not that it is for sale, but if you are seeking info. online, there is always a chance that someone will try to make you an offer that may sound good, but nowhere near its' worth. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Stephen, That's cool. You certainly have an eye for these. Someone could quickly scroll past this one and not appreciate the subtleties. Good call on not bidding too, if you are starting to feel that way. Sometimes it is meant to be and other times, not. But, Hey, you got that one copper tsuba not too long ago that was a stunner! Bring that out and study for a while (Yahoo Japan I think???).

Congrats, Brian and what a story and memento from your trip!!! What are the odds, right? Cool.