Mark Green

The fittings on that sword look very 'thrown' together. The wrap on the tsuka is very bad. I think this one was just a bunch of fittings that were put on a blade that fit. Or not, as the case may be. None of these fittings match as a set that I can tell. They do look 'real', as to say they are likely Japanese. Not the wrap! The menuki could be a replica. The tsuba is kinda interesting, with the added rim and all. I would like to see more pics of that blade though. The second hole was likely made to fit the handle at hand. That is a big mistake, unless for a VERY good reason. A handy tsuka isn't one of them for sure. But it happens. I don't think that sword was cut down at all. Mark

Yup, I think that is very likely.

Hey Dow, What makes you think that sword was cut down. I would think that first ana to the end would be the original one. It doesn't look surige to me? But I only have part of a pic.

Tomoshige, Maybe Fujishima Tomoshige Oops, John beat me to it.

That is a nice one! Does it have a hamon, and boshi?

That is an interesting idea John. I'm getting ready to do a bunch of copper, Shibuichi, and Shakudo patina tests, I will give that red hot one a try. I'll post results to you when I'm done. Did Ian say if that was into a patina solution, or just water. I have put quite a bit of molten, pure copper, and copper alloys, into boiling water as of late, and I can say the color has not been other than what I expected. I would think that the long, slow patina method is the most likely. I'll let you know. Mark G

Fred Lohman does a great job. Mark G

Great find Barry, I just made two big ingots on thurs. This is great info. In the process of working it down to get ready to roll out. Shakudo is so pretty!

Seems like you have it spot on James. Mark G

I have many pictures of Japanese troops chopping off the heads of Chinese. In Shanghai no less. As well as people being used for target practice, bayonet practice, and many other horrors that the Japanese troops stationed there could think up. My Father was there, in person, taking these pictures. the Japanese troops seemed proud of their actions. I think it was in 39. My Dad hated the Japanese as a people till the day he died. He lost 3 best friends on the Batan death march. Plus what he saw in China. So why wouldn't some young Japanese officer have something like that inscribed on his sword. He was likely very proud of every Chinese man, woman, or child he made leave this world. I have heard that the Samurai of old, were not much different when they went to places like Korea. War is hell, that is why we should try to avoid it. And the reason very few people got upset when we dropped nukes on Japan. Sad, but true. Mark G

WOW! Great set Cris. I would think the paper shims in the fuchi would indicate they have been mounted. And I think I detect a bit of copper color around the seppa area Why would you think these wonderful fittings were never with a sword? Mark G

Curran,, That one is by 'Okayama Chikon/Tomoyasu' Bizen school, edo 19c From the BMA 11.11697&8 Very nice.

That's a great looking Tsuba Rienhard. It seems to me that many of the late period 'Shinchu'/Brass' tsuba have this look. The masters, can make the patina look the way they want it to. And being kinda soft they likely ding up very easy, giving the plate a used look. My favorite is this one. It's like your looking through the morning mist. This one is shibuichi, but you can see how the area outside the seppa area ages.

It is still a work of art

Hi Steve, I like your tsuba a lot. I'm still not sure there was ever any brass in those channels. It may have just been carved the way it is. It is very nice as is. Mark G

It Looks very nice Matt. Mark G

Hi Steve, From the blury pic I can't see where the brass is missing. Take some good pics when you get it in. You could likely get one made, but that would be a tough one, and very expensive. Send some more pics. I'm not sure the brass is missing Mark G

Sorry Charlie! From the not so good pics, it looked like the mei was cut last week. Could be ok. Some good pics of the bare blade would help a lot! Mark G

Looks like a tourist piece. Or chinese fake.

USPS Global Priority mail. List it as Antique Art.

It all looks "real" enough. Maybe some cast stuff though? His Pics are crap! There seems to be a few nice tsuba. Mark G

Hey Ian, GREAT looking tsuba. That's one mean looking Shishi I love the multi-colored leaf bunches.

Hey Lorenzo, I just got a great new Sukashi book. It has some great pics. I will send you a few, or put a few up on the Brush. Mark G

I think Ian has it