Kantaro

Most look real to me, but just based on 1 bad picture and not seeing the 2 sides in detail...and I am not an expert but some are here.

Cool display but it took me a while to find the sword...

Hi Jens, Looks like a Iaidō (居合道) blade to me. It should not be magnetic! Done the test with a magnet? Kind regards.

The maker not the beholder.

Once had a girlfriend like that and I just kept her like she was...she was fabulous. I would not mess too much with that ancient old artifact either.

Yes indeed John there seems to be a big price difference in these between EU and US.

Cheap?

We do know the average Nihonto collector is older than 50 years and nobody knows when the end is near. So when do you stop collecting? When you are 70 or older? My dad died when he was 63...

Indeed strange that the sepppa-dai area is completely covered with hatchwork. It would be covered by the seppa when mounted? Do we have other examples and why would the maker do this?

More detailed pictures on the Markus site: Images for 4439153. KABUTOWARI (hachiwari), Japan, “Helmet -/skullbreaker”, Edo period, 17th/19th century. - Auctionet

A friend of mine spotted this Kabutowari last month in Sweden. I would like your opignion on this piece. He did not buy it. It was sold for 321 euro. 4439153. KABUTOWARI (hachiwari), Japan, “Helmet -/skullbreaker”, Edo period, 17th/19th century. Description Signed. Kusunoki Masashige's name is written on the blade. Koshirae (sheath) in wood with black/red lacquer work. Length of blade 30cm. Total length 54cm. Condition Good condition of blade, has a small crack on the “breaking part”. Mekugi (sprint) is missing. Extensive lacquer wear on koshirae. What do you think? Kind regards.

Hmm is it Sanskrit? (संस्कृतम्)

I am just a newbee but I am a bit puzzled by this "strange" story...