Tanto on ebay for viewing...

[bmoore1322]

Okay, Im interested in this Tanto, or would rather buy one from another member in here first, the thing about this one that attracted me to it is the really thick MUNE on it.

 

I would prefer one that is an traditionally wrapped tanto, but not too picky on it.

 

Please let me know what you might have for sale, and how common is the thickness on these.

 

thanks

Brian

 

 

eBay listing ;

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221109394340?ss ... 1423.l2649

[Jorgensen]

Hello Brian,

 

I would'nt touch it... It looks a bit odd to me. Seller states late koto to shinto - might be right, but the koshirae (mounts) are late 1800's / start 1900's. I suggest you buy one from one of the members here or from one of the well-reputated dealers instead of this one on ebay.

[bmoore1322]

I think you are correct, I would love to buy one from another member in here, that has the same type of blade, the same thick MUNE as is on this one, and would love to find one in the traditional ITO wrapping also.

 

thanks for the quick reply.

 

Brian

[bmoore1322]

The blade on it, almost seem's triangle in shape, which I like as that would that a very strong blade, almost like a spike for punching through armor.

 

Brian

[paulb]

Hi Brian that is exactly what it is. these were made specifically for punching through armour and were popular in the koto period and then again inshinshinto work

[bmoore1322]

@ Paul, thats what I was thinking, as I love all types of weapons, and thats why I love this one so much, I would love to find one from a member in here, especially with the traditional ITO wrapped Tsuka on it.

 

Thanks for answering that question for me Paul.

 

Brian

[Toryu2020]

Brian-

May I suggest http://www.nihonto.com ???

[Curran]

Shinshinto yoroidoshi (armor sticker).

Seem to have been in vogue c. 1860s. Often nice, but rarely exceptional.

 

This looks to me a very typical example from the 1860s.

It appears a nice habaki on it, though not sure what to think of the koshirae and the dark photos. Hard to be certain.

 

(EDIT:)

I see Tom posted while I was writing.

He is right in that Nihonto.com seems to have recently acquired a few. Note that at least 2 of the 3 are from the 1860s. Probably the 3rd one is also c. 1860s.

[bmoore1322]

@ Thomas.

 

 

Thank you, I found one on there, traditional ITO wrapping, and fittings, and the armor piercing blade.

 

Unless they say the one i want is sold, or pending funds.

 

 

thanks

Much appreciated.

 

Brian

[Jorgensen]

Brian,

 

If you get it, we will look forward to see the pictures of it

[bmoore1322]

Of course I will be posting pics of it here, for everyone to see.

 

I bought a really nice Nihonto Wakazashi from a member in here tonight, very beautiful sword, in great polish, and great mounts also, and it has papers with it also.

 

Brian

[Marius]

If any member of the Board buys this tanto, I would be grateful for some better pictures posted here.

 

Never mind the koshirae, but am intrigued by the nakago (seems ubu with patina indicating Koto) and also by the healthy hamon on an otherwise polished-down blade. I dislike the streaks of ara-nie running through the monouchi (a sign of low quality IMHO) and I am suspicious of the fat habuchi. I would almost think saiha, but the nakago does not show any sign of retempering.

 

Overall, an interesting puzzle.

[runagmc]

Mariusz, I think the "fat habuchi" is just hadori polish.

[sohei]

[sohei]

I'll try to post a few more pictures. Thanks, Mike

[sohei]

I'm trying to post a few more pictures, I do not think it is shinshinto..

[sohei]

But I welcome comments, Thanks, Mike

[bmoore1322]

@ Mike

 

 

Are you the one selling this on eBay, or what ?

 

Thanks

Brian

[cabowen]

The hada is screaming shinshinto....

[sohei]

Yes, Brian, I am the seller. Well, Chris would know, I'll mark it as could be Shinshinto. Thanks, Mike

[Curran]

Shinshinto.

 

Have owned a nearly identical papered one.

Price of a two piece gold foil habaki is not cheap, having climbed significantly in recent years.

[bmoore1322]

YES, I do like this one very much so..

 

Brian

[Marius]

Guys,

 

just to let you know I have bought this tanto from Mike. I am a sucker for tanto, and I used to have a yoroi-doshi by Tosa Yoshimitsu, which I still regret to have sold.

 

I will post pictures of this tanto as soon as it arrives. My guess is still sue-koto, but of course I may be wrong. I will try to post close ups of the hada, as this seems to have been one of the factors that got this tanto its shinshinto attribution in this thread. I know it is quite difficult to say anything from pictures, but I believe to see a nakago which indicates koto. I am curious how the actual nioiguchi looks like, as opposed to the effects of a kesho polish.

 

We shall see, I hope you will enjoy the pics. It will take a while, though, so please be patient :D

[bmoore1322]

@ Mariusz K

 

Congrats on the purchase, i wanted it, but i just spent close to 7k on swords, and bought a papered sword from another member in here also.

 

Would love to see more pics of it, when it arrives.

 

Brian

[paulb]

Hi Mariusz,

I will also look forward to some more images. I know exactly what you mean about the nakago but the rest of the blade has me leaning towards the shinshinto view.

Well done and enjoy your purchase.

Best Regards

Paul

[Marius]

I know exactly what you mean about the nakago but the rest of the blade has me leaning towards the shinshinto view.

 

Paul,

 

that is what makes it interesting :-) Koto or shinshinto? I am sure it will be an interesting diuscussion concerning an average tanto, hopefully representative for a certain period, tradition and school :-)

[cabowen]

Congrats on the purchase- look forward to the photos....

 

Please keep in mind the fact that nakago are much easier to change than the forging.....

[Marius]

Chris,

 

thanks for pointing this out.

 

Of course, welding techniques are now so advanced that I can imagine a shinshinto with a koto nakago, and that the whole thing is not easy to find out without specialist tools. However, I think the whole operation would make "commercial" sense only for a big name signature nakago being welded to a nameless, but otherwise very good tanto. This tanto does not match these criteria and the nakago is mumei. If you indicate repatination - now, that is always an option and I can just hope that good, deep patina is difficult to fake

 

I have bought this tanto knowing the risks. I hope it is koto and I may be wrong. If I am wrong, my case will be of educational value to others. And in the worst case, I will end up with an inexpensive shinshinto :-) If so, I would compare it with my four tantoall of which are koto).

[cabowen]

Chris,

 

thanks for pointing this out.

 

Of course, welding techniques are now so advanced that I can imagine a shinshinto with a koto nakago, and that the whole thing is not easy to find out without specialist tools. However, I think the whole operation would make "commercial" sense only for a big name signature nakago being welded to a nameless, but otherwise very good tanto. This tanto does not match these criteria and the nakago is mumei. If you indicate repatination - now, that is always an option and I can just hope that good, deep patina is difficult to fake

 

I have bought this tanto knowing the risks. I hope it is koto and I may be wrong. If I am wrong, my case will be of educational value to others. And in the worst case, I will end up with an inexpensive shinshinto :-) If so, I would compare it with my four tantoall of which are koto).

 

I doubt it is a suji-nakago but artificial patination would not be a surprise....

 

In addition to the forging that looks too tight and clean for koto, the hamon looks too fresh and healthy as well....Let us know what you think when it is in hand. Pictures can be deceiving....

[sohei]

Thanks to Mariusz for your purchase, and to all who took time out to comment. I appreciate the opportunity to learn. I did make a donation to Brian for his great site. Thanks, Mike