Mark

Grey is a great guy https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/swords/q863-signed-dated-polished-papered-mounted-katana-by-hoki-no-kami-masayuki/ (note he is my partner)

he was at SOS and Chicago. he has email and phone issues at times so it may take a bit to catch him, he is busy

Jacques thanks. that was my thought when i couldn't find an example of that signature. Joe had some interesting leads that i had not seen. I appreciate the comments, good to discuss swords mark

Steve==thanks! Joe, thanks for that, welcome to NMB, that was a big help and gives me some encouragement to research further. Great references i would not have found It may just be gimei but it is certainly cut boldly

I have a katana signed Awataguchi Nagatsuna. Nagatsuna was a student of Tadatsuna but i can not find an example of him signing this way. The shape of the nakago resembles Tadatsuna so makes sense if a student. The way it is signed reminds me of Tadatsuna's mei Any constructive thoughts appreciated. If anyone has seen this mei or has a reference i would appreciate it thanks mark

thank you. i appreciate the help

i usually don't list much online, i do most face to face at shows. But someone asked about buying a "real" but inexpensive sword so i showed a few on that thread. i did not hear any follow up so i will list them in case anyone is interested each is a genuine antique nihonto but they are in rough condition hence the lower price thanks for looking

temper and boshi doesn't look like anything i have seen in Hizen shape looks questionable but possible

i have these 3. either $500

I probably have a couple. I’ll look and see mark

i have had Josiah make me a few shirasaya. He has had reasonable turn around time.

I have a Gunto sword. It appears to have 2 kanji scratched on the habaki. I guess it may be the owners name. All help appreciated. It is faint and not easy to read, thanks in advance mark

years ago i sold a katana on eBay to a buyer in France. When it arrived he returned it as it was damaged. When i git it back the saya was cut in half. It was clear that the customs person inspected the sword, pulled it out of saya and tested it by hitting the wood saya breaking it in half. They then put the blade back in the 2 pasts and sent it to the buyer. Hard to know how it was handled if it was inspected

i live in Toledo but will be in Wilmington OH in a month

The show seemed to go very well. Thanks to the NBTHK-AB The Otsuki fittings exhibit was excellent, a chance to see treasures in person, with experts there to explain and answer questions, much better that books. Matt Jarrell's presentation on the changing shape of blades was a chance to learn and hold great blades from the past 1000 years. The tariff uncertainty was a negative but i was surprised to see attendance on Saturday was the most we have ever had (even shinsa years). I get a bit busy with show details but managed a few pictures when things were slow. Thanks for the support See you next year

a typo or mistake. probably 2.9" not 29... look at the weight and picture

the show is 2 weeks away......... getting close. If you have a chance make a last minute trip it should be a great show. the room block should have been closed but there was a short issue with their reservation system so they extended it. If you need a room, or booked at another hotel grab a room at the Hyatt there are just a few left https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-TOKE We are looking forward to seeing everyone in two weeks Mark

Brian will be there. I prefer to meet a person i may do business with and establish a relationship before giving a valuable items for them to care for. I find sometimes it is just a personality thing but if i have met them face to face at least i have a chance to judge for myself if they are the person i want to deal with. With all the issues i have had recently with shipping/mailing (see other threads about this) i much prefer face to face interactions only my own opinion mark

at least as a start bring it for hands on examination is helpful. Plus you don't need to worry about shipping etc. Bob Benson will be at the show so you can show it to him, ask his advise, and if you ware comfortable with him he can explain what services he could offer to help you. I always like going slow and learning mark

Paul Nice sword. Do you have flexibility to travel? Les mentioned the upcoming sword show http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ The show is in a few weeks. Bob Benson will be there so will many other experts. The NBTHK-AB is having a display/presentation so a number of members will be in attendance. In a weekend you would learn more than you can with pictures/emails etc. Experts could examine your sword and give accurate, specific information. You will also see hundreds of swords so you can compare yours in hand. If you have questions let me know. It is getting close but as of today a few rooms are still available at the Hyatt https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-TOKE Mark nixe@bright.net

You could try repairing it yourself. if you want it wrapped there are a few options but none that i know of close. David M is in Montana i think, Wally H in FL, i know a guy in Ohio, maybe someone else can recommend someone closer

Brian, Thanks for asking. all events will be Saturday times are tentative and will be noted at the registration desk usually at 10 am Grey does a presentation on proper handling and care of swords There will be a presentation and Exhibit of Otsuki school fittings by the NBTHK-AB it will be approx mid-day Matt Jarrell will do a presentation/display highlighting the Change in shape of swords over time. I understand there will be several blades from 1000 years old to Shinshinto. There will be 2 swords for kantei as well. This will be later in the day around 3-4pm It should be a great opportunity to see great items and learn. Nothing is better than seeing actual items and learning from them There are a few rooms left at the Hyatt and if anyone needs a table i have a couple available see you all soon Mark Jones http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

Jan thanks!!!!!!!!!! mark

i have a katana, dated 8th month showa 19 1944 the mei is giving me trouble. I think i should know it........ i think maybe Tajima kuni ju nin ??? Kuni saku but i may have it completely wrong thanks in advance mark