Winchester

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.

Very curious for Steve's response in order that I may learn more. I am a novice collector and my initial thoughts were consistent with Grey's. That's the great thing about this hobby, though--always learning.

Stunning. Thank you for sharing! I saw a similar one for sale in Japan recently for around $4,000.00 USD if I remember correctly.

Thank you for sharing, Peter. is it about the size of a table lamp?

Thank you for the updates and sharing the photos; it's nice to put a name to a face. If things go according to plan and trust they will, I'll be at Chicago in April and Orlando in June. Best regards, Brian

Good morning Stephen, Hope you’re having a peaceful Sunday. I have ran into this a couple times over the past year or so, as well. While I do not typically buy on auction sites in Japan or eBay, I have also encountered where I bid—with a few days remaining—no activity and then at the last minute, there is a flurry of activity driving the price up considerably from buyers with no or very little past purchase/buying history/seller ratings….. A part of me thinks they are shill bidding…but in good faith just keep on rolling.

For what it's worth, I think it's cool. Thank you for sharing... I view tsuba in this fashion as an art/collectible, for viewing, enjoying, and just fun. Not a Michael Jordan Rookie card (as an analogy), but fun to enjoy and that's the important part. Congrats!

I am not sure if this helps; however, I am a bit conflicted. I like it as art, but not as a tsuba. It would take me some getting used to; but this is purely my opinion and subjective.

I have not seen the design, previously. However, I am a new (3 years) collector and I am not an expert.

Mr. BIG, Hope all is well. Do you have a link for the original 36 designs for the yagyu? Thank you in advance. Best regards, Brian

Posting to follow and update when I have a chance. I have an old koto blade that I believe was a tachi originally that has a very clear and distinct impact from another sword on the back on the blade. It has had many polishes over the years but each time they kept this intact. I believe 1300s Ietsugu.

Hi Dan, Thank you for your kind note. It is a subtle appreciation I have for this tsuka, in person the detail is a bit more fine, but I think overall (at best) it is a modest to low/mid-level quality, but that doesn't matter too much to me as I personally enjoy it. Just trying to learn more about the time period, signature, and so on. Best to you in collecting and enjoy--been reading your posts too and glad you found a hobby you are excited about. I find it peaceful and enjoyable. Brian

In reviewing a tsuba with a moon theme for Stephen’s post, this F/K, Menuki and tsuka handle were all together when I purchased and am wondering if folks would kindly share their thoughts and feedback. Still getting better on my photography skills but have a long way to go! Thank you in advance.

Hey Stephen, Hope you are well and looking forward to the new year; happy new years eve! Still working on my photography skills or lack thereof...I checked and this is the only one I have in my collection:

Sorry for my mistake, Piers. I know better and was just brain dead from work. Should the seller see this, please accept my apology on the bad form.

That’s cool. How much do you think it will go for?

Hi Stephen, sure thing buddy. I have some last minute shopping to do for Christmas and have to get some coffee… I will circle back later today. Take care and Merry Christmas, Stephen.

Agreed, Stephen. FWIW, I preferred the more subtle look—each to their own.

Thank you, Colin for the response and confirmation. Also, thank you for posting an example that is probably one of the best in the world, right after my humble koshirae... LOL

Hope all is well wherever this message finds you. Reason for my post is that I recently purchased what I believe to be a later Edo koshirae. It has a composition I am not familiar with and would appreciate any help. There are green 'specks' which are very fine and in the light it can transition from these green 'specks' to a deep purple and almost pink depending on the light. I did some reading to try to identify but really not sure... Thank you in advance for your help or any feedback you can share.

Excessive oil usage for a duration; wiping off does not remove unless focused rubbing/wiping on a spot (my guess).

Seems legit. Is $590.00 a good price?

I am not an expert commentator, nor knighted, so take my feedback as you will...... George, I think from a practical standpoint you are just fine.

Subject = item. Still being over thought and expanding beyond scope. All good though, just my opinion. Cheers