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Thank you gentlemen. Could it be this smith?

Hello, Please help with below Mei (both) translation. Thank you very much!

Hi, I fully agree with all statements about having it difficult to pinpoint who is the smith. What I'm doing is just for fun and it also drives me to study this nice piece in general. I'm finding more and more Hirotaka swords which have similarities to mine. Some of them are Mumei, like my Wakizashi. Here is latest example: https://sanmei.com/c...a/O50144_S2214_E.htm Therefore, if anyone have pictures/links of Hirotaka's work, please share them. If you have a sword of this smith, then it will be even better (if you are eager to chat with me about it). Again, thank you everyone for your comments! Much appreciated. PS. Maybe my sword is not 'rich' enough to be Hirotaka's legacy. But could it be one of his apprentices? That is the reason for similarities (at least IMO).

Both examples definitely look like Aso clan Kamon. It would be great if the pattern on my Tsuba is a variation of it (proves that Tsuba was made for Samurai). I will keep digging. Thanks! I don't think this is it. But thanks for sharing and all the research/help! +1 to that.

Hello, Still stuck on research. I'm looking for any links/pictures of work from Hirotaka - Echizen Seki school. Please share any if you have. Also, if you have any other comments/hints then it will be much appreciated. Let me also know if you need more/different pictures of my blade.

I got a discount from dealer (as sword was damaged during the shipment, that is what happens if you buy a blade without Shirasaya/Koshirae and poor packaging) and found a buyer for damaged sword. I got my money back in the end, but lost the sword I wanted.

Well, according to Wikipedia it was other way around. Toyotomi Hideyoshi restricted access to weapons for none-samurai. However, during Tokugawa (EDO) that restriction was lifted. Still, Wikipedia could be totally wrong. For example Seki Sensei from YT also stated that Katana (during EDO) was restricted only to nobility. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sword_hunt In 1588, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, having become kampaku or "imperial regent", ordered a new sword hunt;[3] Hideyoshi, like Oda, sought to solidify separations in the class structure, denying commoners weapons while allowing them to the nobility, the samurai class. The Tokugawa shogunate did not confiscate swords from farmers and townspeople, who could continue to wear daisho until 1683. Many would keep wearing wakizashi on a daily basis after then. After the middle of the 18th century, they were still worn during special events such as travel, weddings, and funerals. This lasted until the Meiji Restoration.

Possible root cause of re-shaping. This example is my unlucky delivery ...

Hi, I can only share my humble opinion on this. I have 2 historic blades with restored (new wood, Samegawa, Tsuka-ito) Koshirae: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45103-shinto-wakizashi-hizen-kuni-mutsu-kami-tadayoshi-please-comment/ https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45588-shinto-wakizashi-hojoji-sadahiro-please-comment/ 1. Any Koshirae set that has no papers is a composition of fittings from different sets. 2. When I was composing mine, I was focusing on them to be from same era (fittings) and to fit same theme/color/story. 3. My swords are from early EDO period, but fittings are from late EDO. I don't think it is a big mistake as Koshirae was changed even by original sword owners. Legends say that wealthy Samurai (or Merchants) would even change Koshirae depending on occasion. Same way we pick watches these days. 4. I would NOT use old Saya (even if it 'fits') on a blade for which it wasn't made for (scratches). 5. Tsuba/Fuchi/Kashira usually can be perfectly fit (proper adjustments) by Koshirae maker. 6. Don't count that Koshirae will boost the price while selling the sword. Usually it makes difference only to amateur collectors. If you want to get more money then it is better to sell fittings/Koshirae separately. I hope this helps. Please note that above comments are just my personal opinion.

Hi, Interesting piece of art. That Tanto is really tiny. Indeed I would vote for it to be ceremonial/memorial purpose.

Hello, Thank you very much gentlemen for your help. It appears that Mon is a possible variation of "chigai-kaku" as mentioned. That specific Kamon was used by Aso clan which was present starting beginning of XIX century (late Edo). Still some research needs to be done, but that is a good lead. One of leaving descendants of Aso clan is Princess Tomohito. https://en.m.wikiped...s_Tomohito_of_Mikasa Following Wikipedia: She is the third daughter and youngest child of Takakichi Asō (麻生太賀吉, Asō Takakichi, 1911–1980), the chairman of the Asō Company Aso clan evolved into company, and guess how Aso company logo looks like:

Hi everyone, I was doing research for months but without luck. Maybe someone on forum could share some new information or thoughts. What do you think about mon on this tsuba. It is similar to some clan/family Kamons, but not exactly the same. I asked the dealer and Shogo (famous Japanese culture youtuber) about it, they don't recognize it either. Is it just decoration type of mon, without any meaning? Any comments or ideas? Any chance it is related to a clan? Tsuba is from late Edo period. It isn't signed unfortunately.

Hi, I just noticed that Komonjo put on auction several Koshirae sets. I wouldn't put my sword into old/not made for perfect fit Saya. Tsuka/Tsuba will also probably rattle too even if it 'fits'. Tsuka-ito wrapping isn't perfect neither (either poorly remade, or used). However, it is a possible deal for anyone that looks for Fuchi/Kashira/Menuki/Tsuba/Kojiri. Here is the listing: https://www.ebay.com...omonjo&_oac=1&_pgn=1 I hope this helps! Good hunting!

Hello, I dropped few pics of this blade in different topic and found that it can be an interesting blade for debate. Sword is in possession of my friend, who is willing to sell it. AFAIK he wants 2500$ USD. Please note wooden, Shirasaya build-in Habbaki. Please share any comments about the blade or smith lineage. Some details about the sword. Noshu Seki Ju Kanetsuji from MINO KA 1227 year 1504 10points KA 1228 year 1555 12points KA 1229 year 1596 8points Nagasa 45,3 cm Sori: 1,2 cm wide at kissaki: 1,8 cm wide at hamachi: 2,7 cm Moto Kasane: 5,5 mm Saki-gasane: 3,5 mm Mei: Noshu Seki Ju Kanetsuji

Hi, I don't want to hijack this topic with the Kanetsuji, but I see there is interest in this blade. It is in possession of my friend and AFAIK he is willing to sell it (I'm considering buying myself). Let me open a new topic on forum with more pictures and details. I'm looking forward to everyone's comments there. https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/47653-koto-wakizashi-noshu-seki-ju-kanetsuji-please-comment/

Interesting. So below Koto blade could be worth something ...

I've seen such 'hamon-less' blade in past, with history of it being salvaged after fire (house burndown). That make sense to me.

"Mei has been appraised as genuine in Japan by photos" Hi, how can you do that? I mean, check via email/photos?

Solved, thank you very much! @Nobody

Hello, I'm not able to identify 1 character in mei of Katana. Any help will be appreciated!

UP! Plus Paypal is possible as a payment.

Again, per my experience based on what I saw/bought from Komonjo. Old blades he offer are authentic as if by that you mean Nihonto. Gimei or not, hard to say. Mr. Mike Yamaguchi (if it is still him behind the Ebay account) is also usually stating in description (when no paper) "bid on steel not on signature". However, if you ask me about his Gendaito/Shinsakuto offers, I think majority is made outside of Japan. Maybe even by Japanese smith in Korea/USA (rumors!), who knows...

Hello, I think most of forum users already know Ebay-Komonjo 'shop'. His pictures usually match same template so you can quickly recognize his offers. My personal experience with Komonjo is that he knows his job. If he assumes that sword is not Gimei he 'does' the polishing and Shinsa (quiet often you see his blades with NBTHK from 2023, even right now I see he has 2 blades like that). Please note that is just my personal opinion. I could be totally wrong. 400$ for rusted blade like that is a fair offer I think. Question is, are you happy with the blade condition? I know that some people even prefer this type of 'old look' instead of healthy/flawless blade. IMHO because for amateurs it looks more authentic (if it is 300 years old then it must look like this and not like new). I personally prefer healthy/flawless blades and would rather wait and buy something for 1500-2000$ in decent polish with NBTHK, but it is just me. Since you bought it I wonder if you will try to send it for polishing. What will be the outcome. Can rust (talking about blade) be completely removed without polishing the blade to the 'core'? PS. Please note that I don't judge anyone. I personally helped a friend of mine to by this type of 'junk-condition' blade cheaply, because he wanted that 'old look' (blade was even missing Hamon, probably due to being salvaged after fire). Cheers!

@Franco D Thank you, my bad. Everyone, I have my eyes on Shigetsugu's piece and badly need money I will consider reasonable offers if the asking price is to high. Cheers!

Hi, I would like to sell this healthy Naginata Naoshi Wakizashi. Located in Poland (EU). Price is 2000$ USD + shipping. Wire-transfer only (no PayPal). Nakago : ubu 1 nakagoana Nagasa: 41 cm Motohaba: 31 mm Sakihaba: N/A Motogasane: 5,5 mm Sakigasane: 4 mm Sori: 10 mm Hamon: notare Hada: mokume hada