Kevin Posted May 7, 2009 Report Posted May 7, 2009 These two swords have been until recently in a private collection owned by a long established collector who was on very good terms with Ron Gregory. He's had both for many years; they're just a couple in a collection built up over a lifetime. The swords will eventually be for sale, after we've worked out a few more details. However, since they are rather unusual I thought the other members might be interested in seeing them. The first is an 18th century wakizashi - it has the most extraordinary lacquer job on the saya. I've not personally seen a saya like this before in the flesh, though I recall seeing illustrations of them. It's a bit difficult to do justice to it in a photo, as the illustration wraps round the saya. The habaki is almost certainly gold, though I may get it assayed. The hamon is rather flamboyant - a polish would really bring it out. The second is a star stamped gendaito by Shigemasa. The mounts are something else - I've only ever seen one other example of such koshirae, and that as an illustration. There are a total of 20 mon on the damned thing, and the metal fittings are all solid silver. It's softer than sterling, which is 92.5% silver. Totally impractical for a practical weapon, but brilliant for show. The koshirae were with the sword when the collector got it many years back; from his information they were original to the sword. My best judgement is a presentation sword. These aren't the sale pages BTW - those may undergo a few more revisions. Kevin Quote
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