Mark

looks like Ka Shu (Kaga), the rest looks good

Ando san was in tampa, I did not see Tsuruta san

i have heard the thought about tying the tsuba, but in this case the tsuba is a nanban type that is sukashi so technically you could put something through the loop and the tsuba but that seems to make no sense, why worry about threading a thin thread through this loop on the seppa instead of just putting the string or thread through the tsuba? This loop is so small it would be like threading a needle, you would have to be a steady handed samurai with good eye site and a lot of patience. maybe but ???

not sure if this is the right category, please move if needed this set of seppa came on a sword, they were made for the sword as they fit perfectly. I have never seen a seppa with this strange "loop" attached. It is on the seppa that fits next to the habaki (the other seppa will not fit there as it is made to fit the other side of the tsuba). Any ideas why the loop is there? Ever seen that before? The edge of the seppa have a decent rope design finish so it is not just a piece of reused metal. Thanks for looking

how about this....... the maker is Tadakuni. If you look at "swordsmith Database" above, put in his name and see if you can figure out which one. It is not hard and you will learn from the exercise

The April 25-27 2014 Chicago Sword Show is getting closer check http://www.chicagoswordshow.com The show plans are going well. I already have more table commitments than I had tables on the floor last year. I will have to move things around to fit all the tables so it should be busy. Tables are just about sold out. The hotel room block is filling up fast. For those planning to attend it would be wise to make reservations, here is a link https://aws.passkey.com/event/10702618/ ... 31/landing or https://aws.passkey.com/event/10702618/owner/4631/home If calling ask for "Midwest Token Kai" rate There will be a some tables with excellent displays, one will have a number of Naokatsu swords, another will have fine menuki, and there will be armors and some excellent koshirae and fittings on display. The NBTHK (American Branch) will provide and educational presentation Saturday afternoon. If I can do anything to make attending easier let me know. And as the event approaches if you have any trouble with hotel reservations let me know and I will try and help.

welcome to the group. If you could post some pictures it would be a good starting point. Where are you located, maybe there is a club or study group near you, there are also sword show, if you are in the US, that you might attend. Also the NMB rules require you sign your posts with a name.

I get the same screen as Chris

some short hizen katana can be katana mei, but the mei does not look genuine. I think gimei

you could ask Tsuruta san, he has always been helpful in the past when I asked a question. The blade looks, to me, to have the original tip. I think it was made that way, it is shobuzukuri

John, Thanks! now it makes some sense. I had looked at Markus; book and the Hizen reference threw me. I can accept this as Bungo and mid 1700's. It seems this guy was a minor smith, I did not find him in my Bungo-To book so I will have to try and find some oshigata. At least I have something to research. Thanks again Mark

As there has been some comments here are some more pictures. I think the first 2 kanji are Bizen. I think the first kanji of the name is Moto but if others see something else I will research the alternative.

I am confused (common situation), I have a katana that I think says Bizen ?? ?? ?? Motoyuki Saku. The mei seems poorly written especially the "saku". But the blade is well made and 29 5/8". So maybe a poor gimei but if so who is it trying to be, I find no Motoyuki from Bizen that would make any sense. Any thoughts?

Jason sorry to say the NBTHK lecture is Saturday afternoon

I have a late '44 sword. I think the date is showa 18 maybe 1ist or 2nd moth. I am having trouble with the mei, could someone offer help? Thanks Mark

hard to see clearly at that angle. smith looks like Daido

thank you Piers!!! I appreciate the info

I have a matchlock, it is hard to understand the kanji. can anyone offer some help? Thanks!

please check http://www.chicagoswordshow.com there are links to the hotel to get the show rate and maps etc. It should be a great show. There are a number of people who are coming this year who have not been present for several years. There will be some nice displays. The is much more early demand for tables and I have to take a close look as I may be getting close to being full.

Here is a picture of part of the show, could not get it all in frame there are 1800 + tables, also pictures of my table. The show was interesting, I saw Minatagawa, Yasukuni, Great custom order gendai, Shinto, Koto blades, full set of armour and there is probably plenty I missed. Then I went to the gun show next door, 2000 tables, found some good showa swords, star stamped, dragon horimono etc. Then before I left a couple of young men opened a table with swords, it seems they are selling a collection for a widow, there was Rai Kunitoshi, Soshu Akihiro, Masahide, Norinaga, Tsunahiro, Bizen Kanemitsu, and I forget some others, I bought a nice Soshu Hiromasa with horimono that caught my eye. should be real busy tomorrow, I will have to try and get some sleep

Adrian as it was a decent tanto, but shinshinto by a minor maker so thought the "standard" polish was appropriate, but I was very happy with the quality. mark

I think the table is CC56, introduce yourself, I will have 50 or so swords out but will have some nicer ones under the table they have a dealer listing with table number and probably a map, but bring a compass, flares and binoculars and you MIGHT find your way around, it is massive mark

can anyone tell me if I have this correct, I make it Noritoshi, it is dated 1944 but I can not find a reference for this maker so maybe there is another translation? thanks! mark

Ray yes it is that sword

Arrive early, parking is a mess, you may end up walking a mile to get to the show wear comfortable shoes if you see something you want buy it, you may never find the same table again. stop by my tables and say hi