Matsunoki

Did you see the link to the Hikone example above?

Link still works.Scroll down.

Compare the quality to the real thing……. https://www.bonhams....y=Netsuke+rat&page=3

Sorry but it’s most likely a modern (probably Chinese) very low quality fake. Might even be resin but difficult to tell the material from these images.

Just for interest…. https://www.ebay.com/itm/297001587025

Do they even own the sword or have they just stolen the images hoping to sell it before they buy it. Be careful. All sorts of tricks happen on these sites. Ask them for a very specific image…..a close up of say the kissaki/ boshi or the nakago mune or similar and see if you get one. Personally I’d start running now.

Thanks John, I rather thought that would be the case which is why I asked the question about reliable period dating….which seems not to exist…..but some papers I’ve seen have really “surprised” me. I ponder “how on earth did that get papered?” Anyway best I stop there or I’ll be strung up!

Dunno. That’s why I asked. I assume not then? So we must judge by technique, quality and prevailing market drivers. Most just seem to be attempts to emulate Mino or maybe Omori. I can fully understand and appreciate the real thing being papered but poor quality copies??

Sadly we are now seeing a far more effective offensive weapon used…..cars. They going to be banned?

Agreed but I think they all fell under the category of “zombie knives” or the like or were classed as “offensive weapons” along the lines of flick-knives or gravity knives….whatever the hell that means. Well I guess we just have to keep our fingers crossed but I still think we are safe. We would be talking a vast sum of money for the total of everything that is in the country. Then …..what about antique guns that can knock a hole in a brick wall …..percussion revolvers etc etc. Hmm, a right can of worms. Fingers crossed for now I guess. Im going to collect ring-pulls and beer mats🙂

Sorry Alex, I wasn’t clear….i was talking about internal UK shipping for Auctioneers, dealers, private transactions etc If you watch the sheer volume of antique weapons of all types ( not just knives/sworss) going through the rooms every week there is a large potential customer base for a specialist carrier.

Is there any reliable dating source for tsuba like the daisho pair being discussed here? I don’t mean quoting shinsa results which seem very doubtful to my eye (ko-kinko???) - but serious historical evidence? In no way can these be considered good quality……cheap poorly copies of the real thing….imo Do the NBTHK paper shiremono kozuka?…..because these tsuba fall into the same category of work….imo

Just to add….i don’t believe that any UK Govt would impose an outright ban on ownership of genuine old/antiques/collectable bladed pieces …..unless they are prepared to pay massive compensation as per the handgun ban (which has achieved nothing in reality but cost the taxpayer a fortune). Where would they draw the line?…..impossible to enact imo. Maybe an opportunity for an entrepreneur to step in with a specialist weapons shipping proposition?

Brian, I don’t think we will be written off judging by the huge interest I’m getting at the Birmingham Fair…..and that is despite all the ridiculous shipping restrictions and media distortions. Same applies to the other bladed weapons dealers at the fair……you couldn’t fall over if you wanted to….its packed. What I think might happen is that we revert to being a “Fair based” market, like it used to be before internet etc. After all, having something in your hand before you buy it is still the best and most enjoyable way to collect.

The UK has become so paranoid about “knives” that all reason has already been lost and I don’t think any political party would dare suggest any relaxation of the current situation. Indeed quite the opposite is likely……clamping down even more with the attendant “positive publicity” is likely to attract far more votes from the brainwashed masses. Still, you can always just go look in the kitchen drawer. The issue is rooted in the way the kids of today are brought up amid social media madness, peer pressure, exposure to hell knows what on the internet and are then left totally ill prepared for life by our education system and of course a lack of parental responsibility or awareness. Add in the simmering totally unresolved issue of illegal immigration (and it’s links to knife crime) and it feels like we are sitting on a social volcano. This reality is so utterly depressing. Never mind, our new chancellor is now accused of falsifying her online CV and of some very dubious expenses “problems” at her old employers. Just the profile we need to sort things out🫢 Rant over, where’s the vino.

Despite papers, I would get this statement checked out. A kizu on each blade? I wonder why they haven’t illustrated those up front rather than making you go asking further questions? Always makes me uneasy that sort of approach.

Could it be a tinder minus the striking mechanism? That’s what the shape reminds me of. Probably not - but all brass suggests a need to avoid unwanted sparks…..gunpowder? No idea really, just guessing.

Buy one or two good pieces, not 7 very ordinary things. Nothing there I’d even consider buying…..but just my opinion.

Happy hunting….dont be in a rush and always ask “is this period or is it a later copy” especially if you like those “early” tachi mounts.

This link will get you started on “koshirae” https://www.bonhams....=past&query=Koshirae

No offence intended but if you were seriously even considering buying this koshirae then you need to do a lot more homework. I always recommend spending time going through Bonhams “past lots” website. Search for whatever you are interested in. You will find large numbers of tsuba, koshirae, all variants of swords etc etc together with their sold prices. That helps recognise quality and will give you a better idea of what you really want to buy within your budget. It’s easy to let our enthusiasm carry us away to be swiftly followed by “buyers remorse”. Be wary of any koshirae being sold alone especially on online platforms. So many are complete re-fabrications….thats fine if you are happy with that and know what you are buying. From personal experience I have always found matsukaze to be reliable and honest.

That koshirae looks a bit “cobbled together” imo. Lots of things look dodgy. Personally I wouldn’t go anywhere near it. Save more and buy better would be my advice. Even at that money you could find better aogai koshirae if you are patient. edit….John just beat me to it

Something to do with gunnery? Piers? @Bugyotsuji

@Dan tsuba, or perhaps we should say Hawkeye? You were right Dan, twice on one thread! I had to get my mag glass out and still it took me some time. You missed out on the cookie earlier but have one now on me…..🍪🍪 Serioulsy - hats off - good spot.

And…..??.🙂