Mark

this one is quite easy, do you want to give it a try? the kanji pages are above. if not here is my translation

Mark Many people use traveler's checks, they used to be quite common when there were more international buyers at the shows. If the seller knows you a personal check might be ok, but that varies with sellers. The shows are usually in nice (safe) hotels and have security so if you stay at the hotel you can use their safe deposit boxes as well. Some dealers accept charge cards but at present only a small percentage. mark

hard to see in the pictures. The small ware' or loose grain (if what I see is what you are asking about) is a cosmetic flaw not a serious flaw. Sort of depends on the sword, if it is a kamakura sword it is nothing, if it is a gendai you would be concerned it may get worse in the future when polished.

do you want to know what they say or do you want tips on figuring it out? if you want help we can give some direction, if you just want to know what they say see my translation below. katana tanto

I know Louis Mills, he lives near me. Not sure if it is his tanto without seeing the item but here is some info http://togiarts.com/Togi_Arts/Louis_Mills.html mark

I have a set of the cutting test books on ebay, I priced at less than market value at $750 I have a few other bits also. I will be adding some other items in the future http://www.ebay.com/sch/mark!!1/m.html? ... =12&_rdc=1 eBay i.d. mark!!1 Thanks Mark

mei might be Naomasa

I was a bit busy during the show and forgot to snap any pictures, I will make a note and do better next year. I did take a couple before the show opened Sunday morning, here they are, they show a bit of the room but all the treasures are covered up. I know Mike Y took some pictures as he has some on his facebook page, maybe he can upload a few. Maybe Joe or some of the other participants have some.

Joe is made of stout stuff, I know I got a good look deep down inside. Good thing for "clot quick" and a decent first aid kit (sorry about the sting, I know that stuff hurts and may take some work at the hospital to remove but better that than losing too much blood). I was surprised he reacted so calmly and logically instead of panicking and going into shock, he is a big guy so would be a load to carry out (ha-ha). Anyway I wish you a full and speedy recovery. It gave the hotel staff some excitement. I enjoyed getting to know you and Angela better but would have preferred to do it under other circumstances. See you next year 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