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lizard260
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lizard260 Newbie

lizard260

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Hello Learned Gentleman (and Ladies?),

I am brand new here and planning to buy an iron tsuba as an anniversary gift for my husband. I have zero knowledge in this arena so I tracked down a board where I could ask about some I was considering on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181197592197?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290963405772?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I would greatly appreciate anyone who would care to comment or provide advice. I don't want to buy a piece of crap for him. I can only go on aesthetics without your help. Thanks so much.

E. Paul

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Geraint Grand Master

Geraint

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Ah, he is a fortunate man!

 

Both tsuba are Japanese which is a start as so much of what you see is reproduction, to be kind. I note a dragon theme, is that important? For what it's worth I like the second rather more though it needs some TLC. I note that the seller only ships to the USA. You might also have a look at this site, http://www.japaneseswordbooksandtsuba.com/ or indeed this one, http://www.ricecracker.com/

 

May I congratulate you on your anniversary.

 

Best wishes.

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lizard260 Newbie

lizard260

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Thank you Stephen, Thierry, and Geraint.

Thierry, I thought that might be the case. What would you suggest would be a reasonable offer? Thanks again!

 

Edited to add: I am not specifically hunting for dragon tsuba. I just happened to like those two the best of what I saw on offer on ebay (that I could afford) currently.

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Marius Grand Master

Marius

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I would say that these tsuba are pretty average, but their prices are not. I can't give you a price, but I would not pay more than $300. But that is just my opinion, I am not interested in them anyway - as said, they are bland.

 

A word of advice: stop rummaging through eBay, as you are going to find either trash/fakes or at best average/below average stuff at inflated prices.

 

You will see good offers on this board (you may want to start browsing the sales ads here) and from reputable dealers.

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Brian

Brian

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Hi,

I think it would help if we knew the level of your husband's interest. Is he just a casual enthusiast, or a seasoned collector? Does he already collect tsuba, and if so..is most of his collection iron or soft metal..and if iron, does he like cut-out tsuba or solid?

Once we can gauge his level and interests, maybe we can guide you towards a suitable purchase. Those 2 will give an estimate of your budged I assume. (They won't load for me though)

 

Brian

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lizard260 Newbie

lizard260

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Hi,

I think it would help if we knew the level of your husband's interest. Is he just a casual enthusiast, or a seasoned collector? Does he already collect tsuba, and if so..is most of his collection iron or soft metal..and if iron, does he like cut-out tsuba or solid?

Once we can gauge his level and interests, maybe we can guide you towards a suitable purchase. Those 2 will give an estimate of your budged I assume. (They won't load for me though)

 

Brian

 

Hi Brian,

He is a Japanophile and studies samurai battlefield arts.

He does not collect tsuba. It just happens to be our iron anniversary and he doesn't play golf so this is my clever idea.

So I want iron and he prefers cut-out tsuba. He may fit it to a sword and actually use it.

Thanks for the guidance!

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Ken-Hawaii Grand Master

Ken-Hawaii

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He is a Japanophile and studies samurai battlefield arts.

 

By this, I assume he trains in some form of iaido, right? It's unlikely that he will mount a valuable tsuba on his iaito, & even less likely if he's using a shinken for training.

 

Have you considered something like a jutte (http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vintage-Ja ... 2ec8d69de3) or (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Vintage-Ori ... 2a2b1a8783) instead of a tsuba?

 

Or how about a kabuto that was almost definitely worn in battle (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zunari-Kabuto-h ... 51b0cf0e69)?

 

Ken

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Baka Gaijin Veteran

Baka Gaijin

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Good morning all

 

Ken suggested a Zunari Kabuto:

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Zunari-Kabuto-h ... 51b0cf0e69

 

However there are quite a few issues with it (Please note the red composite epoxy like filler) I am concerned that some of the remaining red Lacquer will be lost.

 

Perhaps Ian B or Dave T can add some input.

 

 

Cheers

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