Mark

there are a couple here there were a bunch on FB

a local friend saw the handle sitting out and needed it. so i held it for 4 days with no reply so it is no longer available

when i look at the pictures of the kissaki the edge has an unusual look. Maybe the sword was 60.6cm when papered and then the tip was damaged and reshaped reducing the length? Or possibly the seller did not measure correctly? If the NBTHK says 2 shaku when papered that is reliable and it was that length then. I would measure it carefully when you have it and examine the kissaki. If that is the case it is still a decent sword and the picture appear to show a clear boshi. Just possibly modified

i have a tanto tsuka that has same' if you can use it $20 to cover postage and sending it let me know mark jones nixe@bright.net

i have occasionally had people ask if i had parts of swords. I guess they want to study or examine the construction or maybe use the materials. In the past i sold similar on eBay but figured i would ask here first Bottom one is signed. The top one is signed on the blade Prices are next to the item. Actual postage as requested by the buyer will be added. I can accept PayPal, venmo check, etc thanks for looking Mark Jones

Reinhard Thanks!! Just what i needed. I appreciate the help mark

they may have had it displayed at the Chicago show. They had a table and i know they had swords out from future auctions (nice to examine items before bidding) Mark

I am looking for a copy of Token Bijutsu #522 for research i am doing. I have copies going back to 529 and grey has back to 523 (what are the chances) anyway of someone has a copy i would like to buy one if extra or ask for a scan of the information i need thanks in advance Mark Jones

other than listed Josiah Boomershine does shirasya David McDonald and Wally Hostteter can do handle wrap with any craftsman i suggest looking at examples of their work and see if it is what you are looking for

there were some for sale at the Chicago show, i bought one and the others sold i think. I bought mine as a second copy to carry to shows so don't intend to sell it. hopefully someone will reply and have one. If not let me know mark

Thanks for the comments there were 114 tables on the floor, all occupied, not sure exact number but i think about 70 vendors. I thought the show went very well. We had good attendance, my son said he saw more people bringing swords in than usual. Thanks to the NBTHK-AB for a great display. if you see great work you will know what to look for. Thanks to Matt J for the assistance with the sword presentation. Those attending could hold and examine 6 GREAT swords, a Ko-Hoki with Mr Tanobe's sayagaki saying he thinks Sadatsuna so it was made 1000-1100 what a treat. there were 5 Juyo, a Sejuin (kamakura), Aoe Hisatsugu (signed- it is the one in Fujishiro), Sanekage, Ko-Mihara (looks Shinshinto it is so healthy), and an ubu Skikakke Naginata...... It was great seeing a lot of old friends and some who came for the first time. I apologize if i was ever short with conversation, with taking care of the show and doing presentations etc i get a bit flustered. I think sales were reasonably brisk, one regular vendor said he saw people he had never seen there before buying items. It was the Ito' first time and they were very happy and have already signed up for next year. At one point Grey and i had a big pile of free books on our table. But it wasn't there long. Next Orlando! Mark

attendees -- please stop by and say hello to Grey and myself. We will have some special items for sale this year: Heian, Kamakura, Nambokucho, efu Tachi, Juyo, lots and lots of treasures. see you soon mark

The show is just days away. On Saturday there will be a presentation on swords with some great examples (most Juyo) to learn from and at 3 pm the NBTHK-AB will have a display of high quality fittings "Springtime in the Year of the Dragon" as the fittings will show the dragon as well as things that occur, are associated with, or can be seen in spring. Here is a chance to see some wonderful fittings for education and enjoyment. You learn the most from studying high quality items so you learn to recognize them.

Chicago Sword Show April 26-28, 2024 is less than 2 weeks away. Don’t miss it! It should be the busiest show yet, the hotel had to add additional rooms. Free parking. The NBTHK.AB will be doing a great display on fittings with the motif of Dragons and Spring "this years ..year" with some great Juyo and equal to study. There will be a presentation of great blades 600-1000 years old. Buy-Sell-Trade. If you need anything let me know. I look forward to seeing everyone. http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064937373977

Ray. Thank you and the link was very informative. Appreciate the help

I think I have seen this before and should know it but maybe having a senior moment. I think the second kanji is Masa. And third looks like Shin any help is appreciated

the usual test is to ask the seller to send a picture with a card/paper with his/her name and contact info in the picture this looks a bit like Sam Young's (samurai Sam) swords but it has been a few years since i visited him. I think he may have passed away but i doubt someone legitimate would be selling things this way mark

Steve Thanks! maybe he is an obscure guy. i was hoping someone may have come across this inscription before. at least i have a start. thanks mark

I have a katana. Suriage and it looks like the makers name is gone but part of the Mei remains. It is dated 1848. So that narrows it down. I am hoping someone can recognize the Mei and know the maker thanks in advance mark

thanks to both for the help. it was challenging, makes sense and time period is right. i appreciate the help mark

Thanks Ray! Piers I posted a changed picture. I will get additional a bit later thanks again mark

i have a tanto. i would have thought it was Shinshinto unless the nakago has been cleaned. The mei seems hard to see especially the last kanji of the makers name all help appreciated!! i think i see Chikushu? JU ??? ??? thanks mark

i believe Robert Hughes member here https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/profile/1318-keichodo/ offers that service. Bob Benson does also

Jon someone else will reply and know more.. but from what i see i think they are registration numbers/info, if the rifle was left in Japan and owned in the late 1800's all firearms had to be registered, the information was stamped on the item. the rifle may then later have been bought in Japan around the turn of the century or even brought back from WW2. I have seen several matchlocks with these stampings