Stu W

Well I guess they indeed could all be Showato because any sword made in the Showa era would be a Showato. I'm assuming though that the question was asked on the basis that Showato is being used in the common manner of Nihonto enthusiast to indicate a non traditionally made blade. Correct? Regards. Stu

Is there a distinction in terms of credibility between the NBTHK and the NTHK? I've seen swords papered by both and I realize that mistakes can be made but does one hold more value than the other to experienced collectors? Regards, Stu

This will be a fantastic learning tool for those less experienced such as myself so could members please elaborate as to what it is that they see and base their opinions. Thank you. Regards, Stu PS: I should add that I learnt quite a bit from all the replies to my Star stamp question on the other thread and greatly appreciate those of you who took the time to expand upon the "why" of your respective positions. Thank you.

Great looking piece however from what I have read the star stamp designation is still much debated and the marine mounts attribution is definitely outdated. Its Army all the way in the recent reference books such as the updated Dawson work. Anyone care to comment on either of these two aspects? Please understand I make these comments from the perspective of one still learning not as any criticism of the seller's position on the item. Regards, Stu

Hello gunto, Why do you feel it's Gendaito? Is it the presence of the start stamp? I have read both pro and con views on that issue. Is it something else you see that makes you feel that way? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks. Kind Regards, Stu

Books, and reading back threads here, are a great way to learn. There are many references but I'll suggest two to start with. The first, an easily read handbook gives a beginners overview. The second is the current bible for gunto. Regards, Stu

Hello Henry, Thank you for your comments. It prompted me to review Tom Kishida's book The Yasukuni Swords from which I received my information on these pieces. I see a reference to your point on page 54 although as I understand it that was a one off situation whereas the rest of the smiths stayed with the original characteristics. Interesting to me too is that the pheasant thigh shapes vary somewhat in that some are smoothly tapered to a more narrow width whereas others have either a sharp or smooth, but certainly more pronounced, indent prior to the taper. Again, thank you for your comments...I have much to learn and appreciate the input. Regards, Stu

Here's a link to an example of what I am referring to... http://www.nihontoantiques.com/fss300.htm Regards, Stu

Hi Bruno, The Yasukunito I have viewed have a wider nakago. I think Stephen's has more of a "pheasant thigh" shape. I suspect it's quite pronounced when viewed in hand. Here is a link to some Yasukuni swords that may be of interest to you if you have not already seen it. http://www.jp-sword.com/files/yasukuni/yasukunito.html Regards, Stu

OK, now I see the link. The same and tassel show as actual photos to me and I missed the link in between. Thanks Stephen, Stu

Hello Stephen, Have you any photos available of the nakago and mei? Regards, Stu PS: Instead of deleting this thread as has been suggested possibly it can be moved and saved as it really does depict an unusual sword and one worthy of inclusion on the site...IMHO.

Hi Doug, Thank you for replying. I'll be in touch. Regards, Stu

Thanks guys. If anyone knows his site name here I'd appreciate learning what it is. Regards to all, Stu

Can anyone advise if Doug Austin of Australia, owner of a web site called Gunto Art Swords, is a member here? Thanks. Regards, Stu

My thanks to each of you for your thoughts and assistance. Regards, Stu

Hi folks, I recently came across this tsuka. There do not appear to be any identifying marks on it. It was mounted on a mumei wakizashi but the fit was somewhat suspect. I've never seen a tsuka of this description before. Can anyone offer an opinion as to it's origins? Thank you, Stu

Thanks John, you too. I appreciate the help. Regards, Stu

Your thoughts? Here is the previous thread I mentioned... viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9929&p=82652&hilit=Goto+Hiromasa#p82652 Thanks to K. Morita san (hope I said that correctly) for the translation there. Regards, Stu

OK then...with the Goto "clue" provided (thank you very much) I have come up with another mei of that name, Goto Hiromasa, posted on this site. I'll repost the photo here. I'm thinking it's a match. Regards, Stu

Hi John, Thanks for the confirmation. I'm pleased to know I'm on the right track. The top one is still a mystery to me but I think I have figured out the 2nd one. I'll do a little more checking and then post my best guess. Regards and Best Holiday Wishes to All, Stu

Woo Hoo...I think I'm on a roll here...4th one down looks like 'masa"...??? Regards, Stu

I'm thinking the third kanji down might be "hiro". Yes? No? Regards, Stu

Hello, I recently purchased a set of kanji flash cards from Grey and am now able to determine some of the basic two kanji mei. This four character mei has considerably more strokes than I am familiar with so will need some assistance. Can someone determine the smith please? Thank you, Stu

I'm looking forward to photos as well. Minatogawa Shrine swords are of great interest to me. Thank you for posting. Regards, Stu

Hello Chris, Thank you for your prompt assistance. I appreciate it. Regards, Stu