Mark

having a great time at the show, will try and post pictures when I have a chance. It is a super turn out, there were great deals to be had, some major feeding frenzies, I hear of a number sword tassels (rank tassels) being offered by an old time collector for $30 each and buyers were climbing over each other to get them. Swords offer at some great prices by a number of older collectors who set up for the first time in several years and were happy to sell at prices they were used to in the past (and buyers were even more happy to snap them up), I saw buyers leaving with multiples swords to take back to their room. That was Friday. It is Saturday morning and the show opens in a few hours and this should be the busiest day. Maybe some other NMB members can report what they though (If they have a moment between deals) mark

moved to new thread

I think no older than Shinto. I agree, not Kanbun. The condition of the nakago looks Shinto, it is hard to judge with the mei blurred. The length of the blade could be Shinto or Shinshinto. The length of the nakago leans more to Shinshinto style. The yakidashi makes me think Shinto but I guess a few Shinshinto guys did that. So 1700-1860 is as close as I can guess from the pictures mark

Doug I had set up a Facebook page so at least the information about the sword is available. I will take pictures this year and post them for next year. If you have suggestions to improve the Facebook page email me at nixe@bright.net https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago- ... 95?fref=ts thanks mark

it is a genuine scabbard, looks like it was repainted (very poorly) and is missing the fitting on the end of the scabbard. No way to know if it had a leather cover.

Ron I look forward to seeing you, I think there are at least 5 from the St Louis area with tables so your area is well represented. There was a large display ad that ran Sunday (largest circulation day) in the Main News section of the Chicago Tribune (largest paper), so I am hoping that, along with a lot of other print and online advertising will help. The show is looking good. We should all have fun, I am sure I can arrange some liquid refreshment for the group.

he should have sold it to the person who told him it was worth 25k papered, if that person really thought it was good and worth that why is it still for sale. Suriage Shinto will not bring the top price

George, I checked Markus book first, nothing listed. There is some flowing grain that contains some masame. There are no mounts, it was a bare blade.

0ne more picture

here are some. it is clearly gendai. the way it is made and the mei is cut I think it has to be a known maker, it would too well done for an amateur smith (I think)

thanks Chris and Morita-san. I will take a picture and post it in a day or so.

numbers like that are usually used for swords made in a factory to keep the blade and parts from getting switched

"Nio" it is a school or group. not sure what mon is on the fuchi, there are some web sites you can search but the same mon was used by multiple families .

looks like a poor attempt at Masamune

Here is a great chance to learn hands on. Mike does a great job with his presentation, you get to benefit from his years of experience in a relaxed setting. should be a great show. I look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. If any NMB members I do not know attend please introduce yourselves

I have a gendai, I can read Chikugo ju fujiwara mitsuhisa. I am having trouble with the left column of kanji (if I made any mistakes let me know) it is dated September 1943, no stamps. Unless I am missing him, I do not find a listing for this maker

it is a genuine Japanese NCO sword. looks to be in decent condition

maybe made in Japan, but not real nihonto. maybe someone else has a different opinion? I am just basing it on ones I have seen

I have seen these before. I think they are post war souvenir items, if I was selling it then it would be a kamikaze dirk, ha-ha only my opinion

I bought a set already, figure they are useful and support the author. I had no problem with the cost. But if this project goes forward I am sure I will buy an extra set or two, I try to have basic books to give as gifts to help newer collectors, or at least have them available so they can see what they are and how they can use them.

The show is fast approaching! April 26-28 is just around the corner. For anyone planning on attending the show: The hotel room block is getting filled. The Haytt is a very nice hotel and the show rate of $109 is quite reasonable for the venue. When making a reservation (847-606-1234 or 800-233-1234) ask for the "Midwest Token Kai" rate. If you have any problems booking with the hotel let me know, I may have to try and add some additional rooms to the block. The NBTHK American Branch is putting on a hands on kantei learning session Saturday afternoon. This is a great way to learn about swords and fittings hands on. I am not sure of all the particulars but Mike Yamasaki will be leading the discussion/presentation. Nothing is like actually holding and item and having someone help you to understand what to look for. There should also be a Martial arts demonstration. It is looking like it will be a great show, Many people who have not attended in recent years are coming and bring tables full of swords and fittings etc, a number of individuals do not attend other swords shows so this is the one chance to see their items and hopefully find a treasure. email me at nixe@bright.net or call 419-283-0941 if you have any questions Hope to see you there! Mark Jones

I will be bringing a lot of swords (at least 30), fittings, misc parts etc. Some gendai, some gunto, some older blades (probably at least one or two undiscovered National Treasures - just ask Barry ha-ha), all price ranges, from a couple hundred up. It should be a great show there are a number of people coming and getting tables that have not been in attendance in recent years.

1. disqualify myself 2. Rai 3. Hasabe 4. Kaneuji

I noticed the naginata. I see it was listed and sold in the past, the bidding on the past auction seem a bit unusual

I had a tsuba (for a koshirae ) that needed some care. I had Skip Holbrook restore it. I was very happy with the result. It was an iron tsuba but not as old as yours and did not have lacquer coating but Skip does nice restoration work