UK auction links

[Paz]

Hi there. Sorry for another UK orientated post. 

 

But this is a stab in the dark and I don't expect much response. 

 

Does anyone have any recommendations or links for good UK nihonto auctions ? 

 

If they exist at all ?

 

I heard from word of  mouth that there are some Japanese sword auctions, and bargains to be had due to some people not knowing what they have. 

 

But can't seem to find any link to them. 

 

Thanks 

Paz

[Matsunoki]

Hi Paz

whoever told you that was talking bo***cks!

With search engines like the saleroom.com absolutely everything gets discovered. My experience is that things make at least “full market value” and more often than not they greatly exceed it.  Just today some poor hopeful paid £1900 for a Chinese fake!!!

Auctioneers that often have some swords are Bonhams, Thomas del Mar (Olympia auctions), Holts, lockdales, Antony Cribb etc

Quite a few swords do turn up in regional auctions, mostly rubbish or WW2 . Sometimes something nice appears and the world and his dog then chase it. Trouble is most regional auctioneers cannot give you a reliable description….they haven’t got a clue but tend to describe everything as “antique Samurai sword” …..whether it’s new, old, fake or a Masamune. 

I am not aware of any auctioneer that holds dedicated Japanese  sword sales.

I’m not trying to put you off but that is the reality.

this is a link to the best uk auction search engine -

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb

 

Add to that the buyers premium anywhere up to nearly 40%  and then shipping costs on top  (if you can find a shipper to handle swords) ……..it’s not easy. 
I wish you good luck.

all the best

Colin

 

[Paz]

Thanks Colin appreciated ! 

 

£1900 for a Chinese fake ? 

At what point did the poor sod realise his mistake if at all

 

Regards 

[IBot]

Paz,   I have to agree with Colin with regard to the lack of knowledge displayed by many UK auction houses, but equally I wouldn't know a genuine Irish peat container from a galvanised bucket so each to his own. I also find that many auction houses tend to illustrate those parts of swords they think are important or interesting and not what members of this forum would need to make a judgement. Most however will add further images if you ask - don't forget it is in their interest to get the highest price they can. As for the quality, yes, a great deal of junk turns up, but there are exceptional swords as well. It is up to you to spot them and hopefully win one.

Ian Bottomley