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Posted

Well, we all start somewhere.

My first tsuba about 33 years ago was a bit of a paperweight of a Choshu tsuba.

I've also crossed the Rubicon into 5 figure USD$ tsuba.

 

Yet recently I ebay bought a double lot and am keeping the item of greater value. 

The other tsuba in the lot turned out to be a surprisingly nice early Edo tosho (or katchushi, depending on how you look at it).

Worth is probably only $100-150, and my intent was to turn around and sell it ASAP.

 

Instead, I've had it a for a while now and am still enjoying it for its simple, clean, solid design beauty. I suspect I will keep it another month or two.

It isn't a lifer, like Dan's collection, but it holds its place nicely at the back of the bus with the fancy dancy ones up front.

It will probably 'leave the bus' sooner than the long haul heavies, but it is a kinda happy accident to own it for a while.

Nice little guest that stumbled in from crap photos on ebay.  ;-);-)

 

Every one in a while, something decent does come off ebay.

For me, it is only about 1 a year, but I still check ebay sometimes.

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Posted

So, a lot of good advice and resources have been presented on this thread.

Now, what is the best advice I can give a new tsuba collector about purchasing on eBay?

First, study reference materials that have been presented on this thread.

Next go on eBay and decide on a tsuba purchase that is within your budget.

Perhaps use this forum to contact more knowledgeable individuals and send pictures of the tsuba that the new collector wishes to purchase to get opinions if the tsuba is an actual Edo period (or before) tsuba and is not a fake or a reproduction.

And as I stated before, these are just opinions of the members and there are no guarantees.

Eventually, the new collector will have to take a chance.

But the new collector of tsuba should arm themselves with as much knowledge as they can before making the purchase.

My opinion.

 

 

 

 

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Posted
On 11/25/2024 at 10:13 PM, Scogg said:

Thanks Dan, and fair enough. To each their own. 

I've been collecting for a similar amount of time. When I started, I had similar aspirations to collect more, but as I've learned and acquired items of varying quality, I now want less (but nicer) items. It's interesting to hear other peoples perspectives and collecting motivations. 

I generally agree, that I'd rather have 5 great swords over 1 supreme sword. I find enjoyment in variety, and I imagine I'd get bored with a tiny collection. 

To careen this back on track. If you must buy on eBay, here's some advice that I recommend:
1. Like Spartancrest said above, always check shipping price!
I've seen items listed for $10 with $500 shipping attached, in hopes someone won't notice.
2. Always check seller history and feedback.
 If a seller has no history, or bad feedback. Take that into account and proceed with caution.
3. Always check seller location and shipping details before purchase.
I've seen sellers with "pickup only". Or sellers shipping from antarctica. Beware!
4. Find sellers you like and trust, or are recommended, and prioritize them.
5. Understand the inherent risks of buying on the internet.

Happy hunting. 
-Sam
 
 

Very important advices and from me more important one above all else - check sellers stock. If seller have many photos done in different ways he is reseller. Now you decide to go simple way and still buy it or look in an ocean for original offer. It can save you some $ and give fun.

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Posted

I agree with Rawa and Spartancrest.

Others can afford just to buy what they want.

For me, with a limited budget (living from one social security check to the other) it is a major part of the hobby (for me) and is great

fun trying to find the bargains on eBay!

Sometimes, I luck out and add great pieces to my collection.

To each their own!

Onward!

 

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

So, I think I found another bargain on eBay that I purchased.

Price was $85 U.S. ($100 including shipping and taxes).

Just saying if you search for bargains on eBay, you can sometimes find them!

Pictures attached.

 

 

square tsuba 5.jpg

square tsuba 8.jpg

square tsuba 7.jpg

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Posted

For other beginning collectors:

A damaged TSUBA may be cheap, but it is never a bargain!

In most cases, there is a good reason why an item is offered cheaply. E-Bay does not make presents!

Posted

Jean,

I can always count on you for your negative comments!

You stated "E-Bay does not make presents!"

So, do other dealers make presents?

There are still several good bargains to be had on eBay,

for those that can discern between actual Edo period tsuba from fakes or rerproductions.

To each their own.

Those that can spend whatever they want for a tsuba are the lucky ones,

others have to search for bargains.

My collection of tsuba is not museum quality,

but it is still fun for me and a learning expierence to collect what I can afford.

Are you suggesting that collectors of tusba should only buy museum qulatity tsuba?

Damaged or not, my tsuba teach me a lot.

And to me that is the important thing.

You purchase what you can afford, and I will purchase what I can afford.

Does that make my learning expierence from tsuba any less than your learning expierence?

Don't be a tsuba snob.

My opinion.

 

Posted

eBay has dealers too, and those are photos from a dealer that I recognize. He puts much effort into his descriptions and is knowledgeable about the items he sells

Posted

Well Scogg,

Thanks for the information, I know that eBay dealer is knowledgable about what he sells

and I have bought several (what I consider) nice tsuba from him in the past.

But why is it that when I post something you usually respond within a cople of minutes?

As a moderator, are you alerted when I post something?

Just saying.

Posted

No, but as a moderator I often read the “new” posts. Especially ones from threads that have a history of heated discussions.
 

Just a coincidence, sorry if that bothers you.

-Sam 

 

Edit: For what it’s worth, I’ve also bought and been happy with items from that dealer. 

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Posted

Thanks Scogg for the explanation (but I don't believe in coincidences!).

So, what I get from what you are saying,

is that some good bargains and purchases can still be had on eBay!

Onward!

Posted

I think I got what I paid for, and I’m happy with that. I appreciate the effort he puts into his descriptions. Bargain isn’t the word I’d use, as I’d never expect to get more than what I paid for it because I’m not a dealer 

Posted

Well Scogg, that is great!

Since this thread deals with purchasing tusba on eBay,

members may be interested to know that a veteran member (such as yourself)

who is also a  moderator on this forum has also purchased tsuba on eBay.

That information may just make new collectors (or other collectors) have 

another look at eBay.

Thanks!

Posted

The idea that items can be bought on eBay is not at all novel. Many people have bought on eBay. It just requires a careful eye, and more importantly, knowing what you’re buying to the best of your ability. I would refer to my comment on the top of page 2 of this same thread 

I personally would not recommend eBay to new collectors. 

 

Posted

Hey Scogg,

So you stated that "I would refer to my comment on the top of page 2 of this same thread"  which is good information (my opinion) about eBay.

You also stated  "I personally would not recommend eBay to new collectors."

So, where would you advise new collectors to purchase their tsuba from?

I have shown several pictures on this thread of tsuba that I have purchased on eBay.

With some learning and insight, I believe new tsuba collectors can also make similar purchases

of authentic Edo period tsuba on eBay, and even buy some bargains at a reasonable price from eBay.

Your thoughts?

 

 

 

Posted

Lots of trusted dealers listed here on the NMB that I would recommend. If any new collectors find themselves in these threads of yours, I think there’s plenty of arguments on both sides to consider. 
 

I subscribe to the opinion that nicer items offer more satisfaction long term. And I think it’s important for new collectors to see that viewpoint. When new pages are created for this thread, those counter arguments get easily lost in the mass of pages. So here we are again :laughing:


-Sam 

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