Showato - do they count?

[CurtisR]

I've recently had a discussion in which frond "A" believes that a Showa-era blade, even if traditionally made w/ tamahagane and water quenched, by a respected smith, is of little value. I'm aware they can't be submitted for shinsa, but perhaps in the next 50 years this will change? One basic pointer for me is that even Showa blades aren't used by most during tameshigiri, since they are considered to be valued.

 

Regardless, my argument is that it is the blade, process and maker that adds true collector's value to them. I have two, both by Showa smiths and not Gunto...just can't see them as having no collector's value. Friend "A" also said that the Japanese gov't will not allow showa blades into the country at all.

 

And so, I submit this dillema to the greater minds here and am open to any thoughts or experiences :D .

 

Many thanks,

 

Curtis R.

[cabowen]

 

I've recently had a discussion in which frond "A" believes that a Showa-era blade, even if traditionally made w/ tamahagane and water quenched, by a respected smith, is of little value.

 

I'm aware they can't be submitted for shinsa, but perhaps in the next 50 years this will change? ...

 

Regardless, my argument is that it is the blade, process and maker that adds true collector's value to them. I have two, both by Showa smiths and not Gunto...just can't see them as having no collector's value. Friend "A" also said that the Japanese gov't will not allow showa blades into the country at all.

 

 

 

I suppose it depends on what "little value" means to you. There are many early Showa era blades that have sold for $10,000+ (I know because I have both bought and sold some). That is more than what some koto, shinto, and shinshinto sell for. There is no doubt that in the future, as long as there is still a Juyo shinsa, there will be Showa era blades awarded Juyo Token. There are already those that have passed both Hozon and Tokubetsu Hozon shinsa at the NBTHK, and Yushu shinsa at the NTHK.

 

All one has to do is search the net and one can find all the Showa era blades one could want on Japanese dealer sites. Try searching Aoi Arts. He always has a large selection on his web site. It is patently false that Showa era blades are not allowed into Japan. I personally have imported too many, both star stamped and otherwise, to remember.

 

Bottom line, your friend is confusing traditionally made gendai-to made during the war with machine made, WWII era blades. There is a big difference. Star stamped blades and other traditionally made blades can be imported. Seki and Showa stamped blades (like the Kanekiyo you recently posted) are not traditionally made and are not allowed in Japan (though some still sneak in).

 

Well made, collectible swords can be found in any period. Skilled craftsmanship is independent of period.

[CurtisR]

Thank you Mr. Bowen,

That is exactly along the lines I was thinking (except for the shinsa outcome, which I hadn't expected). I know that the two I possess have genuine artistic value to them, but his opinion was that "all" show-era blades were non-importable. I totally agree that machine-made blades differ drastically from stamped blades, but he just had his mind set.

I will have him visit your site, as well as Aoi arts and see if perhaps that can change his mind. Personally, I'm like an open book w/ blank pages and very much appreciate your expert input.

 

Having dealt in old U.S. fireams for a number of years, Nihonto collecting and baluation is far more complex. I love it .

Incidentally, I'm finding that my friend w/ the "hoard" is loosening up a bit toward selling parts of his collection. I knwo we spoke about him before, and I will keep you posted.

 

Thank you for your kind knowledge,

 

Curtis R.

Denver, CO

[cabowen]

You are most welcome.

 

By all means, have your friend do some web browsing. It should open his eyes.

 

And do keep me in the loop should your pal change his mind.

[CurtisR]

Will do Chris - the more we find, the more he seems motivated .

 

Thanks again,

 

Curtis