Mark

i had a sword pass Juyo to Yamato Shizu that was in gunto mounts, a friend has a signed Ichimonji that was in Gunto mounts.

looks like Mitsu Tada Ichi (or Kazu)

i did not ask the polisher. It is shinsakuto so i guess i will ask the smith. I thought i would at least do some research before doing that

Chris Blade is currently being polished so don't have it for pictures John & John thanks for the comments mark

I have a shinsakuto sword that is named Silver Willow Leaves using the kanji 銀柳葉, Would anyone know, or ever heard, of a sword with this name? I am wondering if it is a copy of an older sword by that name or if he named it based on his perception of it's appearance. Would this name have any special meaning in Japanese other that a literal leaf? any thoughts or ideas appreciated. thanks Mark

Jeremy I see you are in FL. I will be at the Orlando sword show this weekend. I can bring my spare seppa and you can see if one will work for you, i have dozens of seppa, gunto and civilian. stop bye my table and ask

3&4

Toledo. I will be at a show in Wilmington Oh 6/14-15

people took pictures so i am sure they will post and comment. I think the thing is this year the show was a "mad house" there were more people and activity than i expected. I think attendees get busy and just forget the post as they are tied up doing stuff. The NBTHK-AB presentation was great, a chance t o handle greeeeaaatt swords. There was no charge and there was more attention and interest than they planned for. It was strange but in the morning sunday there was a rush of people attending, more than in any past year. anyway i will leave it to some others to comment and pics

is there a picture?

Hoki (no) Kami Fujiwara Hirotaka

Mark Saturday is the day there are all the presentations. Times may change slightly but as of now 10am Grey Doffin presentation ""Care Etiquette and handling of Japanese swords" .... 1pm NBTHK display (hand on) and lecture on Yamato swords covering all 5 schools great swords will be available for examination many Juyo. 3 pm Markus Sesko and Bobby Block lecture/presentation on "Horikawa Kunihiro and the Horikawa sword school he founded" Should be a lot of great information. I am sure you will enjoy it thanks mark

if you don't like it you are welcome to return it. I want everyone happy. I figured might as well help out and encourage you in your sword collecting. You will have it shortly, hope it fits perfectly mark

this year the NBTHK-AB is having a display/lecture of Yamato swords. Great examples of all 5 schools including many Juyo examples. Here is a chance to learn a lot. You can listen, study and examine in hand the these wonderful swords so you can see exactly what is being explained from examples... Even better than seeing things in books or online.

and include your name as per board rules

i agree -- if it has sentimental value that exceeds the monetary value (and you have a fair idea of that based on the offer Darcy forwarded to you) then 1. have shirasaya made (we can recommend who to do it), 2. oil and preserve the blade. 3. print all info in this thread and contact info for all those you think are helpful and honest and keep that file with the sword (that way when you are gone the next owner will know what they have and if they decide to sell how to proceed). I also agree -- in your situation it is too much of an expense and gamble to have it restored, and i see your point in not accepting charity to do it. You have received great advise here but don't let some here talk you into something you are not comfortable with. You know more that when you started. The NMB is a good resource.

not a very nice tsunagi and mounts are not high quality but for $200 it is fine, it is worth a bit more

I remember Shannon's sword, you could see the utsuri from across the room.

not to hijack the thread but i just was told that at the Chicago Sword Show there will be a display/presentation by the NBTHK-AB on Yamato swords. There will be excellent examples of all 5 schools (many Juyo), there will be a lecture explaining the schools and then examples you can examine in hand. A great chance to learn about this. Chris - not sure where you are located but if you can attend maybe most of your questions will be answered

The Chicago Sword Show is less than a month away. https://www.facebook.com/Chicago-Samurai-Sword-Show-247511275418215/?ref=bookmarks The hotel extended the room block a few days. Make plans to attend. See swords in hand, Very educational. http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

The show is less than a month away. There is a great display, lecture, hands on examination of some great sword planned and an educational presentation. The hotel was full but i just managed to get a few rooms added to the show room block (block closes soon) so if you need a room grab one now https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-ASNA Tables were sold out but one dealer had a conflict and can't come so if you need a table contact me (first come). Show is looking great, there are a number of dealers who have not had tables before, or not in many years, so i am sure at least one or two hidden treasures will be on tables. Grey and i will have a bunch of new stuff on our tables. Should be a good time for all. contact me with any questions, thanks for looking http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/

Nobumitsu december 1944

looks like Amahide. there is info probably available on line, he was A WWII smith, made some nice blades but had a shop that made showato and had his name on them. If i had to guess yours is a showato.

they made copper handles, aluminum painted handles, wood handles. no brass handles

it is a fake