Mark C

Thanks Everyone, I have learnt a lot regarding this tsuba.

On the subject of ducks, could the other shape be a Diving duck?

I only say this as I have read that normally they are in pairs and on my tsuba I only have one complete duck on each side plus one of each shape?.

Regards

Thanks Dale and Mauro,

Tsuba does have a fukurin and is non magnetic. I have looked at the inside of the Nakago ana and can see  evidence of three layers so i would say construction is sanmai. Opposite side below:

Hi All,

This tsuba is from my latest sword buy, Would be nice to try and identify it. As I know very little regarding tsuba, Could I please ask for a little help?

Material - soft (Copper?)

Width - 2.5"

Height - 2 7/8"

Subject - I believe it is a heron over waves with sea shells.

The nanako isn't the best I've seen.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Perry,

Nice looking sword. Can I ask who is doing the wrap please?

I.ve had all matching themes and some that don't match at all, I think it as Jean says, Us westerners do not always know or understand.

John,

Can Recommend Mike Hickman-Smith, Brilliant craftsman.

Regards

Brilliant, Thank you Thomas

Regards

Hi All,

I have already got the  mei, mekugi ana, sori and nagasa but am struggling to get what is written in the classification box (circle in blue) which normally says if it is a tanto, wakizashi etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Regards

Mark C

I will be there to give you a hand.

Hi All,

Slightly clearer picture.

All the best

Thank You Steve, Much appreciated.

Have not got many books on tsuba but found Ichiryu and Choshu Tomoyoshi on the web, Which this obviously is not.

Again, Thanks

All the best

Hi Everyone,

I have purchased this tsuba along with matching fuchi & kashira for a display project.

I think the mei is Tomoyoshi and would like to know what others think please. There also seems to be the start of another kanji which is obliterated by old rust.

Many thanks in advance

Went into the shop once years ago and was treated like a piece of sh1t, never been back since.

Regards

You take off the lower fittings from the saya and slide the ashi down the saya (It will require some force) but as John has said there is every chance you will ruin the paint finish on the saya

Regards

Excellent shooting, Wish I could group like that at 25 yrds 

Hi Lee,

Birmingham Arms fair is coming up (20th November) and there are various dealers in attendance:

Japanese warriors

Peter York

JC Militaria

Liverpool Militaria, Doesn't stall any more but Bill normally attends and will bring anything you fancy a look at with him.

Plus at least a couple more who's name I don't know.

Regards

Hi Lee,

You could spent countless weekends trawling the various military and arms fair across the UK, not sure which area you are in but they are fairly well spread.

Like the comment above, I recommend joining one the the Token societies as they are well worth the money and have some great meetings.

All the best

Mark

Great idea,

I will have a look into my library and see what i no longer require but in the meantime I have just donated.

regards

So sorry to here this news,

Tony was a wonderful man and we always had a good old laugh when we met at various shows. Tony helped me with some of my very first blades and stopped me  making many mistakes.

I for one will miss them greatly.

My thoughts go to his family. 

I've used this stuff with good results

Regards

Mark

Got nothing more to offer that has not already been said but what are peoples thoughts on the saya cover?

Doesn't look like the normal leather usually found.

Mark

Get well soon Guildo.

My thoughts are with you and your family

HI Mark,

Habaki seems to be foiled copper.

Thanks Geraint,

I was going to ask about the gate symbol on the tsuba but having read the posts I now know what it is.

I've only had the koshirae three days and I've learnt so much already.

All the best

Thanks Dale,

After reading about Namban tsuba I can clearly see two dragons chasing a gem and the dragons are embedded in arabesque.

Bit confused about Chinese/Japanese origins but I've only just started to learn about nanban tsuba so give it time.

All the best

Hi All,

Picked up this Wakizashi koshirae in fairly good condition. 

Would it be classed as a Handachi koshirae? and is there a name for the layered/surface finish on the fittings?

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

All the best