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I’m dealing with several museums since years as a consultant (or visiting researcher) when it comes to Japanese armor (sometimes also swords and the same) and can totally agree with Ian. Apart from the different views of each restorer/conservator a lot of other things have to be considered and the decision to which degree a piece has to be touched depends on the very piece (condition etc.) and the purpose. For example, when the item is intended for exhibition. On the other hand, museums are mostly like time capsules. The majority of artifacts remained untouched and unaltered for the last 100-150 years. A great source of information and references. So in view of the abundance of Japanese arms and armor stored away in the magazines, we can be glad if they at least get a proper conservation. I think the dispute will go on, but there will be probably no right or wrong in the end…

My goodness…

First guess was “定正”, but I doubt . Also couldn’t find a reference for that…

As Geraint mentioned, Tyler, “清則”. The pictures of the sword revealing not much, except that the blade is suriage (shortened). Have a look here: https://nihontoclub.com/view/smiths/meisearch?type=All&mei_op=contains&mei=清則

What I see is “君命重夳山”. (the fourth kanji seems to be another form of 太)…. Oh, Moriyama san was faster 🙂

It’s described as “Daikoku zukin nari kabuto” as also as “Nanban bōshi nari kabuto”. I spot sawari?! But the caption says ginrō-nagashi….

Paul, it’s most likely a candidate for restoration. To find a craftsman who can do the job professionally might be a problem, though. The larger hole’s in the koshimaki (perimeter) are for fastening a shikoro and the small pairs on the lower edge for the ukebari (liner). The angle of the koshimaki, on the other hand, tells us something about the type of shikoro once used…

Yes, looks very Saotome! A neglected but good quality kabuto. Is there something chiseled at the lower backplate (inside)? Nice find, congrats!

You are right Alex! A good write up by Arthur, although I can’t thoroughly agree for the time being. Anyway, it left some food for thoughts…. Thanks Arthur for sharing your ideas here! (That also applies for the okegawa-thread ‼️) A minefield? Yes of course, but worth dealing with 😉

Indeed Thomas…a step! But it seems they don’t change the estimate….😏

Some really nice armor stuff and some really questionable pieces on the other hand. No further comments about the descriptions and estimations…..🙄 Agree about no. 13, Anthony!

Yes, it’s “Maru ni chigai chōji” (crossed cloves in a ring).

I don't dare to show the blade beause it was mistreated by an &%?§ . Anyway my idea is to convince the museum to have it restored the next years. The blade itself seems to be o-suriage, with some age and remnants of hada and hamon under the habaki. Astonishingly also mountet in a similar "itomaki no tachi" koshirae, like the example above...

The mon is called "Maru ni matsukawabishi". Ogawa is a possibility. For the other families I've to dig a bit....

Here you go...

I found a tachi in nice mounts with the same “mei” in a museum storage room lately. Can share some (blurry) pics if interested…

Quick look revales 1779, 3. gen. Saemon family….

"名鍔" (mei tsuba) simply means important or famous tsuba. Not to confuse with "銘" (inscription)...

I think you can call it “tataki-nuri”, Chris!

Unfortunately (or fortunately…) a Chinese fake as stated above, Toni!

....not exactly what I meant, Andy! Rather more what Colin was trying to say. There are indeed people out there (hobbyists and layman) trying seriously to preserve and rescue....

Thanks for this look behind the scenes! There is still a lot to say and discuss, but the problems are very complex. I may, however, make one comment. There is a reason for having so much lay craftsman and hobbyists! I’m only talking about the ones with good intentions, of course.

“付山田夫” Smells Chinese a tad…. Can we see the whole blade?

Please let us see the whole thing, Luc 🤓

Maybe “山城守藤原國清”?? Although, I’m not Ray…😉