jawob

To piggyback with Hokke, it is very similar to sportscards. Cards that are slabbed and graded command higher prices. I would also say that collectors who were not around before grading will not buy raw cards, trusting the grader more than there own knowledge. This pushes older collectors to have cards graded to secure higher value. Ofcourse there is still shady practices and major questions in opinion but it is far from eliminating bad actors. I assume the same goes for sword papers it probably doesn't help that most papers only allude to orgin and most buyers are not fluent in Japanese.

Bruce, admittedly my knowledge is on the bottom rung but if I was heavily into Gendaito that book would be a go to reference tool. I would think between using a kanji reference and cross checking examples on the forum some translation becomes easier. Not exactly the Rosetta Stone but a tool

Steven, I notice your interest in modern Japanese swords and seek information on translation. I would think purchasing this book would be a significant aide to you. https://japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/store/book/sword-books/b349-an-oshigata-book-of-modern-Japanese-swordsmiths-1868-1945/

Thanks for the links. I believe the Coins & J is part of a collection

Marcin, I'm curious was there any discussion about the first 2?

The first two have been sitting on eBay for months

Reinhard, Appreciate your thoughts. I would add a spiritual, Buddhist/Shinto, component to sword making.

Great insight

I can only add that for collectors, whose families have no interest, It might not be a bad idea to handle the sales for oneself. It can be quite the burden to leave it to loved ones. While I'm only 50, and hopefully still around for awhile, I have sold off several different collections knowing that if something were to happen it would be a big drag on my family. I keep a couple items that have meaning and sell the rest, which can be just as thrilling as the hunt and study of the object. I suppose this circles back to the question of quality over quantity. Of course, large and important collections, are a different animal.

Thanks for the info. You would think the tsuka would be gold wrapped at those prices

What's the demand for these? Scarcity?

My copy came in today. Looks like a great collection to read this winter.

Nothing on Ken's out there?

Are there any publications that focus on Tsurugi that anyone can recommend?

The Tetsugyu is stunning. Master brushwork .You have a great collection!