Mark

maybe Yukihira? Fittings look decent

Piers Thanks a bunch! I do not know much about matchlocks, but I would have thought by the 1850-60's the Japanese would have been using more modern technology. Interesting Mark

I am not very good understanding the mei on matchlocks, can someone help? Thanks!

BiShu Osafune Sukemune BiShu Osafune Sukesada

If anyone is considering coming to the show, TODAY is the last day the hotel will allow the show discount rate of $109 (I was able to get them to extend it past 3/30 to 4/15), the regular rate is about $150 here is a link https://aws.passkey.com/event/10702618/owner/4631/home Tables were sold out but I have one person who has health issues and may not be able to make it, so I have 2 tables available. If you have any questions contact me at chicagoswordshow@gmail.com or see http://www.chicagoswordshow.com Thanks, should be a great time

January 1945 Kazu (or Ichi) Shige saku

Grey Doffin sells the set of Fujishiro volumes, check http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.c ... -fujishiro It is best to invest a little in reference books before making a large mistake with a sword.

I may be wrong but it sure looks like a Chinese fake to me, written better than some of the other examples but maybe they are getting better.... some pictures of the blade and complete sword would help

Stephen T, How about this: I invite you to the Chicago Sword show. See http://www.chicagoswordshow.com I will give you a complimentary display table. You will have in attendance most all the North American "sword experts" who could examine it. Also in attendance will be most of the serious sword collectors and dealers who would be in a position to offer you a fair "reward" if you wish to sell the sword. This is an opportunity to display and educate a large number of collectors and also receive a number of competitive offers all in one place. If you are interested contact me and I will make the arrangements. Several NMB members will be in attendance and can report on their thoughts confirm your research after seeing it which should enhance your opportunities to market the sword for maximum "reward"

looks like Echizen Kanemasa

looks ok to me, seems natural fading etc

is this not the same sword we discussed before??? viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18204

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?