watsonmil

Dear Keith, Bloody Australians .... more luck than brains ! In my humble opinion you stole it. Congratulations on what appears to be a nice addition to any collection. ... Anonymouse Ron

Dear All, Somewhat in response to Keith's last post, ... I own a very nice Kanbun period Katana sword which is obviously Gimei ( signature of the famous NoSada ( Izumi ( no ) Kami Kanesada ). On the ura side is an inscription which translates : Seki San, the owner of this blade presents to MatsuDaira Hanjiro of Noshu Province in the Town of Takasu this blade as a gift or ( main prize ). I believe I read somewhere and I believe the article was by the late John M. Yumoto that swords were sometimes ordered by individuals as gifts or presentation pieces for important individuals, ... and since it was important to give a valuable gift, ... the person ordering the sword would ask that the blade be signed by such and such famous smith. He went on to write that the recipient of the blade would quite possibly recognize that the sword was not made by the famous smith but would not embarrass the person presenting the sword, but would rather accept it as a most generous and precious gift and might well present it back to the gentleman who presented it at a point in the future at an appropriate time as a token of their mutual respect. I hate paraphrasing, but I cannot lay my hands on that article to quote Yumoto San's exact words. I give this as an example where removing the Gimei signature would be destroying a bit of history and culture. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there were many reasons for a sword to be signed Gimei. By the way, ... the sword is beautiful and flawless, and an example where the Smith who actually did the forging was a master craftsman. I only wish I knew the name of the actual Smith. ... Ron Watson

Dear Piers, Here I think is the article you are refering to : viewtopic.php?f=9&t=3813&p=28593&hilit=remove+barrel#p28593 ... Ron Watson

Dear Brian, Yes, ... I humbly take credit for keeping a lid on things and people in line ( Keith in particular ), ... so that while you were away no mud slinging, ... no political un-popular comments were tolerated and therefore no locked threads. Now that you .. Oh Great One are back at the helm, ... maybe we can have some fun again, ... albeit short lived ! ... Anonymouse Ron

Dear Piers, I have not had the time to watch the whole series of videos yet, ... but from little I have watched ... most impressive ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Andy, That is a very nice example. Someone has replaced the pin and brass loop on the bottom with a brass screw I see, ... other than that it looks to have come from the same workshop as the one I own. I would for replacement value ( insurance ) place a value of $ 1000.00 US on it. I notice yours also has a slightly smaller " sear release button " than the one I own. You had previously mentioned that the release ( hammer spring ) seems quite weak, ... since you nor anyone else will ever use it for it's intended purpose, ... leave well enough alone. A nice example in nice overall condition, .... be happy ! Any further questions please use my personal e-mail address : watsonr@mts.net ... Ron Watson

Dear Ruben, and Ian, I bought the above book, and since there was one other bidder, ... I'm hoping it was not either of you two. As you know or at least Ian knows I have a strong interest in not only Nihonto, but other Japanese Art as well. I have been after this book for sometime now, and since out of print the closest I've come was an offer to sell me a copy for $ 180.00 US. Should either of you wish photocopies of specific areas of the book, ... I will happily make them for you and send by regular mail ... that is when I finally receive the book. It is best to e-mail me at my personal address which is : watsonr@mts.net ... Ron Watson

Dear Junichi, I have bought many fine Japanese Antiques via eBay excepting swords, ... BUT .. before I bid I make damn sure I have a written ( e-mail ) from the seller that should I not be satisfied ( with reason ) that I may return the item for a full refund less shipping. This is in no way perfect but it has worked for me. Having said this I do as LITTLE business anymore with eBay as possible. eBay is a TRAP for the collector of Nihonto or most any other type of antique and one is much better off dealing with reputable dealers listed on the Commercial Section of NMB than trying to find the treasure everyone else missed on eBay. Granted I have found treasures on eBay years ago, ... and only recently as well ... but only BECAUSE the item was poorly described or found under an incorrect category. ... Ron Watson

All Auction Lovers, I am reminded of an auction I attended a number of years ago, ... being recognized as an Antique Dealer, and Collector of Samurai Arts ( I've never sold Japanese Art in all my years as a dealer however ), ... I overheard the comment while examining a Japanese Tanto ( with a very fatal Kizu ), .... " you're safe to outbid him as he is a dealer and collector and will bid within the parameters of making a decent profit ". Bad move, ... when the item came up for sale, ... the auctioneer who was more accustomed to doing " Farm Auctions " rather than fine art auctions started the bidding off at $ 100.00, ... which I quickly bid, followed by my unknowledgble competitor who bid $ 125.00. I then shouted $ 200.00 to which my competitor shouted $ 250.00, which I, showing feigned displeasure upped the bid to $ 500.00. He then bid $ 600.00, to which I really showed my colours and bid $ 1200.00. The stupid auctioneer almost pissed himself expecting the foreign dagger as he called it to have sold long ago ... asked for $ 1500.00 which my opposition quickly bid, ... with me following immediately with $ 2000.00. To make a long winded bidding war a little shorter, I noticed my oppositions bidding dropping back to $ 250.00 hesitant increments with me enthusiastically increasing the bid by $ 250.00. I finally let him have it at $ 2750.00. After a round of applause from the stunned crowd, ... the NEW owner of the Tanto came over to me and asked what he had just acquired and if I didn't mind ... what was it really worth. The look on his face when I told him quite honestly ... perhaps .. $ 250.00 tops and NOT to ever f... around with me again as to me this was MY Bread and Butter and not some game. I can only smile and hope he learned a valuable lesson ( which a great majority of our members had better learn ... and that is if you want to play this game of Nihonto and it's related Arts, ... do your homework first or leave it alone ). ... Ron Watson

Dear All, Far be it from me to boast any expertise on Tsuba, ... although I own several, ... I am not a serious student of the subject. I always bought what I liked ( could afford ). Having said that I would just like to add my opinion for posterity. I have to agree with Ford on the quality, desirability of the two examples pictured. To me the MFA example looks alive and vibrant ( much the way a quality Netsuke comes to life in your hand as compared to just lying sort of dead in your hand as you find in lesser quality Netsuke or copies of netsuke ). Just for the hell of it, ... I asked my wife and her girl friend to have a look and give an opinion. Both picked the MFA example over the Holbrook. True the patina on the Holbrook example is better, ... but here again I find the Patina or lack thereof on the MFA example not as detracting as David's opinion. In addition I do not find the " gold inlay " or better put gold wash ( plating ) adds anything to the subject. Just a difference in what different people consider attractive. ... Ron Watson

Dear Mark, I am a little surprised to hear the gun is un-signed. It is a really nice example and certainly worth the maker's time to have signed it. It actually makes little difference to value, ... but it might have been a clue to assigning the gun to a specific group or area. ... Ron Watson PS> along with Piers, ... I too am curious to the caliber. PSS > aHaa, ... I was too quick to respond, ... I see the caliber is .50 inch or in Japanese calibration a 3 monme calibre.

Dear Mark, The gun is most probably a KISHU gun. The overall style is that of Kishu with the exception of the serpentine which in cross section would normally be square shape rather than rounded. The Kunitomo group seemed to also favour the squared cross section. However the style of stock looks more Kishu than Kunitomo to me. It might be interesting to see if there is a signature on the bottom of the barrel, ... perhaps if given the province or town location as part of the maker's marks we could be more certain. It is possible since gunsmiths moved about so much that the gun may well be signed kunitomo even if built in Kishu. Whomever made the gun did a nice job, ... and any collector of Tanegashima would be proud to own it ! I would like to see Pier's take on my attribution ( we do not always agree ). The matchlock gun in Japan needs a great deal more study, ... and then there will still be arguments with attribution. Thank you very much for sharing. ... Ron Watson

Dear Mark, Given that some of us have an interest in the Tanegashima, ... would it be too much to ask that you post a couple of photos of the overall gun. I for one would enjoy that. ... Ron Watson

(edited - Admin)...Getting back on topic, it is my belief that a combination of things will lead to fewer students ( collectors ) of Nihonto. Firstly the Economics of collecting are putting Nihonto out of the reach of most of our young. Secondly the desire for Instant gratification that our young have been brainwashed to expect but cannot acquire in the field of Nihonto. Thirdly the natural attrition of items to collect thru wear, natural destruction ( fire, tsunamis, etc. ), and Institutional acquisitions is also playing its part. Forthly the fascist docturines of many countries governments to limit ( no revoke is a better word ) the right of their citizens the right to bear and keep arms EVEN SWORDS.

Dear Keith, Since you are in time ahead of me by 17 hours, ... I was kind of hoping you'd e-mail me when it all begins with the low down on just what to expect. Believe it or not I actually have a friend who is expecting the worst, and he's a member of " Mensa " ( high IQ ). I guess having a high IQ does not eliminate one from being stupid ! Anyways to be safe, ... I'm taking Frosty ( my pet Polar Bear ) out for a walk the evening of the 20th and then it's the wife ( once more for old times sake ) . ... Ron Watson

Dear John, In case you haven't heard yet, ... the World ends December 21, 2012 ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, I feel somewhat guilty and embarrassed that it was " I " who asked for photographs, .... this probably caused you time and worry not to mention the trouble searching out the item. Never the less, ... I appreciate the effort. It is indeed sad that the gun will not be restored by a professional craftsman, ... it certainly looks to be worth the effort. Again my apologies for being so pushy . ... Ron Watson

Dear Peter, Firstly, I believe what you are dealing with is either a target gun, ... or possibly given it's length a boy's target gun. I have one gun that I for sure know was made for target shooting. It is .375 calibre. However it is more or less the standard length of a regular military matchlock of the day being 54 inches OA. This is why I suggest it may be for a boy given the small calibre and shorter length. Not being able to view photographs makes this all supposition. Although condition is important, a boy's matchlock would in my eyes be a dream to obtain if that is what we have here. Next question, ... I know the gun trade ( North American at least ) do not believe in re-bluing the barrel or re-finishing the wood. Keep in mind here that we are NOT discussing a bloody Winchester 86, ... which are common in comparison to what you are negotiating on buying. I own no fewer than 7 antique ( Samurai era ) firearms, .... and if I cannot buy them in EXCELLENT condition, ... I usually pass on buying, .... UNLESS they are in such condition that I am able to RESTORE them to as close to original finish as possible. This occassionally means removal of excessive rust, and re-bluing or more likely re-browning the barrel to the extent that they are not as NEW, ... but are VERY PRESENTABLE. This takes experience in knowing how the gun should look without it looking newly manufactured ( hard to visualize unless an example is seen in person ). Same with the stock, .... I would NEVER sand the stock, ... but rather re-stain ( only if absolutely necessary ), ... but usually a good oiling with lemon oil and a hand rubbing will bring out the original finish and give the wood life and luster again. I have never had to stain a full Japanese matchlock stock yet, ... but I have repaired missing wood and stained to match the original wood. Repairing the locks, re-making repacement metal parts is common on these matchlocks, ... as missing parts detract from the overall appearance, and if done CORRECTLY and again this takes experience in metalwork will NOT and SHOULD NOT be recognizable from the original Japanese craftmanship. In closing, ... Peter, ... I would dearly like to see some photographs in order to offer more precise conclusions and suggestions. I would also like to add that should this gun be in the condition you describe, ... given it's rarity .... I would go after it ! ... Ron Watson

Dear Peter, Firstly what is the caliber ( in inches or mm ) ? Secondly what is the overall length ? I notice you say no pictures are available, ... so an estimate may suffice. All firearms were supposed to be registered by the authorities during the Meiji period, and most have the details of the registration written on the stock ( I have actually seen more Tanegashima with NO registration marks than with, ... so so much for gun control in Meiji era Japan ). A great many Tanegashima were used for Target Shooting ... a very popular sport at one time in Japan. I am guessing that is the case in this instance. In the case of decifering the Kanji, ... perhaps Piers may lend you a hand if you can get photographs. ... Ron Watson

Dear Rick, Welcome to the NMB, ... you might want to post a few pictures of your Tanegashima ( matchlock ), ... There are a few of us who have a serious interest. ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, Only at your convenience, but I would love to see photos. It is sad the lock is missing, ... and hopefully one of the amourers will take it upon himself to reproduce a suitable lock ( under your supervision of course ). A while back under the bloody Liberal Government in Canada ( since defeated ) , ... just such an amnesty was introduced. Fortunately MOST people realized the fascist nature of this invitation and withheld their firearms. I am fearful of the backroom dealings of President Obama of the USA and his intent to circumvent the Constitution's SECOND amendment. Enough politizing on my part, ... but vilgilance is the only thing that keeps North America from falling into the UK trap the way our Autralian cousins have already done. ... Ron Watson

Dear Ian, A police AMNESTY, ...... Has the UK sunk so low as to have it's citizens turn in ANTIQUE firearms ? Also, ... a question : Is the gun on permanent or any display ? If it is not too much bother, ... some photographs would be in order so we the pions of society might all learn something of its type, school, quality other than museum curators would be welcomed. ... Ron Watson

Dear Guy, I had no idea that Vladimir Putin had an interest in Japanese Art ! Perhaps just a way for the Russian M...a to launder some monies and nothing to do with V. Pudding . ... Ron Watson PS: I forgot to add in the 22.5 % buyers commission, .... and I critisize the Russians . ... Ron Watson

Dear Guy, A very well executed Kunitomo Tanegashima of the type carried by Upper Class Samurai. Did they by chance give the name of the " maker " ? I find it unusual that the Mekugi ana have no reinforcing brass washer inlaid into the wood for strength. The barrel engraving is very luxiourious however. For $ 10,325.00 it better be ! A lovely example to say the least. Thank you for posting . ... Ron Watson

Dear Eric, That would take a great deal of editing, ... given the other more subtle differnces I have pointed out on the right hand side of the lock. I maintain we are looking at a PAIR of pistols even though the background material ( cloth ) is different on the center photo. It looks to me that the first and last pictures were taken at the same time and thus the serpentine appears on the left. The center photograph was taken at a different time of the MATE to the pistol shown in the other two photographs ( this time the serpentine shown on the right side ) and therefore two pistols and not one pistol. ... Ron Watson