First Official Purchase-Tsuba

[cluckdaddy76]

I am a newer collector who came into possession of a mixed bag of fittings and blades, just posted my first tanto in the other discussion thread. The last couple weeks all I have done is read, watch videos and look at every dealer I could find online, many in Japan. I had not planned on buying anything as I know you need to learn a bit first and auction sites are full of dangers. With that being said, last weekend I was at a local antique shop and saw a tsuba. I liked the weight; the small gold marks and it looked like it had some age to it. I expected them to ask for a ridiculous price, they then asked me. I offered $20, we ended up at $25 and I went home with this piece. Did I stumble on a real nihonto piece or is this a replica? If real, just curious on any information. Also, if there is a trick to rotating photos on this site, please let me know. I am trying to get them in the direction I want but am not having any luck.

[Spartancrest]

Genuine bargain Jason! The gold 'nunome' will make cleaning it a little difficult. Kiku-gata, that is 'Chrysanthemum flower shape' or alternatively it could be viewed as Amida-yasuri  'radiating lines' also 'Halo of the Buddha'.

 

Well considering you could have purchased a brand new made yesterday replica for $108  https://www.shapeway...A6Y/tsuba-solid-kiku I think your $25 was a darn good investment! [and you didn't have to pay shipping!] 

 

Almost identical one on ebay - but it is no bargain https://www.ebay.com/itm/275712832220 -

 

So where is this shop and how long a line out the door is the crowd? 

[cluckdaddy76]

They had nothing else; I am in Massachusetts and over the last few weeks have stopped into a handful of stores asking about swords or sword parts. I had high hopes they also had a blade tucked away somewhere, but this was all they had. I thought it was worth a shot for the money.