Hector

Last night I was bidding on this tsuba but lost my nerve in the end. It was going steadily up in price and, even if it did prove to be the genuine article (which was almost impossible to tell from the bad photos), it was in such a rusty condition I didn't have faith in myself that I could restore it - no matter how much bone or Ivory I used.

Presumably Kanamoto den (school) by the sambonsugi (3 cedar zigzag) hamon?

Many thanks to everyone who came back to me with observations and advice! I only login every one or two weeks so I've just seen your comments. Best, Hector

"This piece comes with a Kichō Tōken (Precious Sword) certificate, but it does not guarantee a passing the Hozon Tōken designation." That's stating he thinks/knows it's gimei and the old papers are worthless. What else is he supposed to say?

Happened to me with a blade. If the bidding is vigorous enough, the seller gets greedy. 😡

Hi, I'm still considering dipping my toe into the vast, deep, unknown of tsuba acquisition and I'm too dumb on the subject to know what I'm looking at - beyond whether it appeals to me or not. I've read here and other places that Nobuie is the tsuba god and so virtually anything you find with that signature will be gimei. However, I like this guard anyway because of its rugged, wabi sabi aesthetic and the Nobuie mei is so worn down as to be hardly legible anyway. All thoughts are welcome, even those that point out my obvious ignorance and deficiencies. Best, Hector

I wanted to thank everyone for their contributions! This is the first time I've logged in for a few days so I'm sorry to be tardy in expressing my gratitude. So, like many abstract designs, this one remains uncertain. Any ideas on a possible school would once again be very welcome. 🙏 Thank you once again! Hector

Hi, I am considering this katana tsuba (around 8 cm in diameter). I like the simple tsukashi, surface steel structure and even color but have no idea what the actual design symbolises. So all thoughts are most welcome! Best, Hector

It states that this young man is "the first non-Japanese swordsmith". That was Keith Nobuhira Austin. Keith Nobuhira Austin | NCJSC

An unread book is just a block of paper. F. Scott Fitzgerald

Sorry, I've been kind of guilty of this recently. I posted about an old sword magazine I found and also asked advice on a wakizashi which I ended up buying. Unfortunately, I haven't posted updates or photos of either yet because the end of year vacation has seen me on the move between various friends and relatives. As soon as I'm back home, I'll update those two threads with pictures.

Hi Mal @mecox, My wife is also Showa vintage so, as you undoubtedly know, it's best not to argue with those ladies! 😂

Well, I just asked my Japanese wife "Look at these three kanji and read the name out as you see it" 信四郎 Reply "Nobushiro".

Thanks Piers - but he appears to be a tea master. 🤔

Thank you so much for your help, gentlemen! It does indeed seem to describe the tsuba within the box. However, it's strange that it doesn't have the 'twisted rope' mimi associated with the Tochibata school. Unsurprisingly, I'm not familiar with the appraiser, Sōkan.