Passing Of Bob Coleman

[Brian]

Sad to hear only today about the passing of Bob Coleman...back in June?
While I didn't know the gent, I came across his posts on the WAF and other places, and enjoyed his no-nonsense style.
I hear he had a big role in the Nihonto world way back. RIP sir, and condolences to all who knew him.

Brian

[Fuuten]

My condolences to his friends and family.

[TETSUGENDO]

Met him several times at various, exhibitions, shows, important sales, back in my fledgling days.  I didn't know him well but he was a  true gentleman, always kind, patient, indulgent, and generous with his time.  My condolences to his family, friends, and those who remember him fondly.  RIP.

 

-S-

[seattle1]

Hello:

 Bob Coleman was an important and very successful collector of swords in the upper Midwest in and around Chicago. I believe that one of his most important contributions was in the organizing of the Chicago Sword Show in the old days, though I am sure there were other local collectors there also contributing. I believe he was central in initially bringing the highly respected Yoshikawa Koen of the NTHK to Chicago where he could see some of the fine swords that were there in high density, and that would subsequently lead to the very respected shinsa that Koen conducted in the US in Chicago and elsewhere. His son, also Keeper of the Imperial Collection, has continued those NTHK shinsa unto this day. Bob was also a very lucky collector as rumor has it that he recently found one of the Juyo Bijustu-hin that Dr. Homma had circulated information on many decades ago. Sincere condolences to his family.

 Arnold F.

[b.hennick]

Bob Coleman and Andy Quirt ran a sword auction called "Coleman and Quirt". They produced a catalogue for each auction that I still find useful from time to time. I think that Bob was also the President of the JSSUS many years ago. 

[vajo]

Sad to hear.

[Peter Bleed]

Bob was indeed an interesting guy. I liked him and he was always good to me. He certainly marked an era in the history of Japanese sword collecting. He had good organizational skills. He was a quick learner and he made good use of his contacts. He certainly rode the crest of the glory times of the whole sword hustle. In that regard, the fact that I find most remarkable about Bob was that he got OUT of Nippon-to when the times changed. It is as if he "got over" Japanese swords when conditions changed. The last time I remember speaking with Bob was at a Chicago Show - where he had all this really high end SS stuff and a Zero propeller.

He marked an era.

Peter

[Buck Nikolas]

Bob was my mentor, and friend.

First met him when I was around 15 (before I got involved in swords, (sadly, that came later) when I was selling-off my Nazi Collection.

We meet again years later, after I'd gotten hooked on Japanese Swords.

He and Kiko took me under their wings, and open my eyes to the depth and beauty of Nihonto.

Forever greatful for their kindness and knowledge.

God rest your Soul Bob, and see you soon Brother,

Buck