Mark

Sharpen your kantei skills! Each year the NBTHK (AB) provides a great educational exhibition at the show. In the past there has been in hand blade and fittings kantei. I am sure this year Mike Yamasaki and the NBTHK (AB) has something great planned. But additionally I hear there will be something extra special. In addition to the usual program Mr. Bob Benson is bringing a "mystery blade". At present it does not have any paper. Mr. Benson discussed it with Mr. Tanobe and plans to submit it for shinsa later this summer but it was decided to bring it to Chicago. It will be displayed for any who wish to submit their opinion. When the blade is submitted the person who is the closest will receive a nice prize generously donated by Mr. Tanobe. Make sure you plan to attend the NBTHK program, it is usually Saturday afternoon.

page 181 of John Sloughs Oshigata book has a blade that shape made by Murata dated 1888

vary a lot but you can get some in the $250 range

David thanks, I will check out Shigekiyo and see if any sign like mine, not sure I can make the kanji after Shige to be Kiyo but maybe that is because of the script If anyone else has any suggestions please let me know Thanks!

I have a fuchi kashira. The mei is hard for me to make out as it is a script style. I think maybe Shige____? but I may be wrong and the rest I can't figure out Any help appreciated. Thanks!!

In case anyone is making very late plans to attend please note: the show rate at the hotel should have expired 3/30. I was able to get them to extend the show discount a little longer but you can no longer book on line the link has expired. If you want to try and book a room you can do it by phone, call 402-593-5130 and tell them you are with the "Token Kai" group. There are only a few King rooms left and they may fill up or discontinue the show rate at any time but it is worth a try if you are making last minute plans. See you there!

Ko-Mihara ?

Brandon mailed it again, passed through US customs ok this time

The show is now less than a month away. There will be buyers from Japan and Europe at the show (as well as all our North American collectors and dealers looking for treasures). There will be a number of dealers set up for this show who have not been at the show before so new merchandise and a couple or dealers from the "olden days" who have not set up at any shows in years are coming so maybe some neat items new to the market. If you are on the fence about coming I hope you will join us.

i had the same happen a month ago. They held it for a week or so and sent it back because there was same' on the handle and I could not export it. They also did not repack the box very well and I think decided to kick it around for a couple of days, it was beat up

I know the seller, Matt is a great guy to deal with. Not sure if he is a member here.

looks like chikei or similar activity

I think fake

Curran, here are pictures, the tsuba has the same name

Chris Thanks! I thought it was something added to the date, either that or the persons age. appreciate the help

John I had that, I need the kanji after "nen"

I think I read Tamagawa Yoshihisa (kao) and Kaei 4th year (1851) but not sure the rest of the date or what follows it. Any help appreciated Thanks

The Chicago Sword Show is getting close. For those planning to attend here is an update: The show should be very busy this year. Tables are sold out (if you need a table email me, I have a waiting list). There are a lot more hotel reservations than last year. There will be dealers from Japan, Europe, and USA in attendance looking for items. There is usually one or more Juyo discovered at the show so come and join the hunt. The hotel is getting full, if you plan to stay at the Hyatt make reservations. The room block is oversold and at present they are out of 2DBLE rooms, there are a few KING rooms left (the hotel has rollways available). If you call the hotel at 800-233-1234 say you are with "Token Kai" to get the discount rate of $109. To reserve online here is a link https://aws.passkey.com/event/11646749/owner/4631/home For more information you can email me or check the website http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ I understand the Shinsa is filling up but there are presently openings, please contact Tom Helm to arrange spots http://www.toryu-mon.com/Toryu-Mon/NTHK_Shinsa_Registration.html Should be a fun time, a lot of NMB members will be in attendance See you there!

a mei like yours gives the idea of 1600-1750. As Grey mentioned Shimosaka is a group, so that "name" was used by a number of individuals from the group.

George I am not into gendai. I was interested in the inscription. But here is a picture of the mei. I have no idea which one it is, I did not know there were two.

USA as I understand it there is no import duty/tax on Antiques. In my experience if the item(s) is send using USPS (like EMS) there is no cost but if the item is send through other carriers they do charge import duty and when I have had that happen and complain I find it costs more to dispute than the charge I have to pay.

25 3/8" so maybe a little short but it is a bit wider than normal so that adds to making it look short

it has good width, gunome temper but the polish makes it hard to show, a lot of sunagashi and nie, maybe Soshu style

Chris, Thanks! not the type of custom order I am used to so I was having a hard time making it out. appreciate the help

I have a sword dated 1937 by Okishiba Masatsugu (Osaka smith I think). There is an inscription on the other side of the nakago. Can someone help me with the translation/meaning please. All help appreciated.