Matsunoki

Sorry Barry, I have absolutely no knowledge on these guns. The internal images were taken by the previous owners. My thread was simply a “l will have this for sale at Birmingham”, not really for comparisons. Best. Colin

Thanks Brian…..but really honestly I have no idea. Never had one before, never paid them any attention so I’d better do at least some research. It’s just stood in a corner unloved for a while. I doubt I’ll get back what it cost in the swap/deal but hey-Ho, nothing new there☹️

I know nothing about matchlocks but acquired this massive gun as part of a deal and it’s not really “me” - so time to go. Late Edo/Bakumatsu era and quite possibly unused…..in lovely condition. Many different signatures on it and I add a couple of others by this maker for reference. I am told it has features that confirms its a Samurai gun for use on horseback. Weighs a ton! Hope to see you there. Obviously UK only. Best. Colin

In addition to the good advice above… The huge red flag is that we can tell nothing about the blade. Don’t know if it’s old, wartime or whatever. Don’t know if it has any flaws, can’t tell if it has a hamon or boshi. Oil or water quenched etc etc Given that the blade determines the value I’d say the vendor is trying to hide something by not showing the nakago or some better images. It may be cheap for a reason. Have you actually handled it?

No. Satsuma decoration is over-glaze painting that is then fired, several times for different colours. The gilding on the good pieces is mercurial. Nunome zogan is thin gold or silver foil hammered/pressed into a finely cross hatched surface.

These are described as gold and silver inlay but I’d bet it is just nunome zogan which is not inlay and far easier to do. Opinions??

……in that case I think Christian is right…..accidentally hammered into the copper. How bizarre.

Simple question…..can you actually see any iron/steel because it doesn’t show in the images? if so can you image it please? Also weight difference tells us little as it depends on thickness of the walls etc….no two habaki are the same anyway. This thread is like an itch you can’t scratch🙂

Possibly a home-made repair or added packing to make it fit although I’m still struggling to see anything that actually looks like iron on it anywhere from these photos. Internally it looks copper, externally it looks copper. Metallurgically can you even fuse iron and copper?

Are these all pictures of the same blade because it looks like two different habaki….one copper and one possibly a better quality silver one? In one or two images The nakago has two distinct patinas suggesting shortening. it looks like a poor condition genuine shortened blade where someone has tried to add a signature and a date and done it very badly thereby ruining it financially. Have you actually handled it?

Sam, I don’t think you’ve got a fake here but I do think it’s a “bitsa” ie bits of this and bits of that put together to create an impression for the sole purpose of selling an apparently complete sword. The ito wrap appears to be very recent and very badly done, you have a kabutogane from a handachi or Tachi which does not match the fuchi. The menuki are rather dubious. The tsuba does not look fake but the patina looks somewhat enhanced? Not sure any merchant would want to be seen carrying it…..they had rather more ostentatious tastes. Just my impressions…..with apologies!

??a copper habaki with iron pins in it…..thus magnet sticks to the pins?? ?does magnet stick to the flat sides?

Spot on Piers! Many thanks. I’d never have got that.

Thanks Piers…yes it is Takafusa….a late Edo Kinko tsuba maker. Second one anyone? Thanks!

Please may I ask for help with these two Mei? Many thanks in advance. All the best. Colin

Hi Robert. They vary within the £2200-£2900 range. That isn’t really much use to you without seeing the blades but they are all very decent pieces and everything I’m selling is way below what they cost me especially with nice quality koshirae. The ones in shirasaya are less . “priced to sell” is the expression I believe!

Just a few images and descriptions of some of what I am taking to the 15th Sept Birmingham Arms Fair. As a reminder, I am NOT a sword dealer but have decided to sell the majority of my collection. Obviously this is more relevant to UK members as it is not currently viable to post overseas. By all means pm me if you need further info. We can always discuss on the phone if necessary. There will also be some tsuba. I am happy to consider any sensible part exchange on quality mixed metal tsuba or good Japanese metalwork. Donations to NMB will be made on any sales/trades although I am not actually offering things for sale here. Hope to see you at the Fair. See below. Best Colin

Thanks Piers, you’ve nailed it. I just could not see the second Kanji (nothing new there!) He is Hamano school very late Edo per Haynes.

Many thanks indeed in advance for any help on this. All the best. Colin

Hi Bruce…yes, had a couple of these years ago….search Efu no Tachi. ….. https://www.sothebys...ma-minamoto-masatomo

Katana? Wakizashi? Tanto? Tachi? Age? I am selling my collection and have some papered signed pieces. Depends what you are looking for. By all means PM me. Best Colin

And what did you learn there Piers during your presumably short stay? Doubtless your fellow guests had interesting skills🙂

Whether we knew him or not, and obviously I did not, the loss of such an artisan as described by Piers is very sad and also very sobering. RIP.

That is far far better than many of our citizens enjoy, especially the elderly or disabled. That just shows how screwed we are. Where is that image of?

No room in our prisons so you’re safe Brian.