Beware of 'aged' iaito tsuba.

[Hector]

I just wanted to warn everyone who looks at the Japanese auctions like me that there is at least one seller who is taking modern steel iaito tsuba and giving them a 'makeover' to look like antique pieces.

The photo is of one example which is on sale at the moment; the original, Minosaka brand tsuba is on the left and the reworked, acid treated 'antique' is on the right.

[Spartancrest]

Watch out for "the backyard blacksmith" as well https://www.jauce.com/user/CAWaKufXrxBdNGAA4UXmvfeWjVRf  he likes putting big copper sekigane on brand new oily black patina fakes.

 

           

He could do with changing his background image as well!

[Hector]

I've seen that guy!!!

I think he's got a fresh crop on Yahoo right now. 😳

[ROKUJURO]

5 hours ago, Hector said:

..... there is at least one seller who is taking modern steel iaito tsuba and giving them a 'makeover' to look like antique pieces.

The photo is of one example which is on sale at the moment; the original, Minosaka brand tsuba is on the left and the reworked, acid treated 'antique' is on the right....

Hector,

I am sure this happens, but in this case, the TSUBA on the right is not made from exactly such a IAITO TSUBA. There are several small differences, easy to overlook.

[Hector]

8 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

Hector,

I am sure this happens, but in this case, the TSUBA on the right is not made from exactly such a IAITO TSUBA. There are several small differences, easy to overlook.

Jean,

 

In my previous role before retirement, I had to spot very small details and differences in images.

I can see two extra sukashi cutouts added, finer detailing and shaping of the dew drops, square punch marks, sekigane and that pitted, flat, gray patina. 
If you look at a selection of tsuba by the same seller, one appears to be old but they all share the same strange patina.

 

IMHO, I still believe he's messing with them.

 

 

Edited December 10, 2025 by Hector
Spelling error

[ROKUJURO]

Hector,

you are certainly right in that some people try to "age" IAITO TSUBA and sell them for a small profit. It was just your post where I could not see that evidence, the more as one grass in the "aged" TSUBA is even THICKER as in the left IAITO TSUBA.

The SUKASHI (not tsukashi) could have been applied later, but I think all that messing is so much work that no one can make money with it in the end.

[Hector]

Hi Jean, 

Thanks for pulling me up on 'sukashi' -  I have corrected the spelling now!
 

I also accept your observations on the tsuba - mine were based on a fundamental lack of knowledge.  As I've admitted (and demonstrated) in previous posts, I am uneducated in the many nuances of Japanese swords and their fittings and so I should welcome the advice of the experts here with gratitude and humility.

 

Thank you.

Hector C.

[ROKUJURO]

Well Hector,

as you are living near the "source" of all SAMURAI culture and weaponry, you will have good opportunities to study the subject extensively! I think it will be fun and a big advantage for you, compared with us other collectors who are not that lucky.

All the best!

[Hector]

23 hours ago, ROKUJURO said:

Well Hector,

as you are living near the "source" of all SAMURAI culture and weaponry, you will have good opportunities to study the subject extensively! I think it will be fun and a big advantage for you, compared with us other collectors who are not that lucky.

All the best!

Good of you so say Jean - but I'm making so many errors of judgement that the benefit of my location is rather like 'throwing pearls before swine'. 😂

[ROKUJURO]

We all make mistakes. Patience and persistance are the keys! 

[vajo]

On 12/9/2025 at 1:00 PM, Hector said:

I just wanted to warn everyone who looks at the Japanese auctions like me that there is at least one seller who is taking modern steel iaito tsuba and giving them a 'makeover' to look like antique pieces.

The photo is of one example which is on sale at the moment; the original, Minosaka brand tsuba is on the left and the reworked, acid treated 'antique' is on the right.

 

Are you sure that the right one is a new tsuba reworked? 

There are much different spots in the right tsuba. Those iato tsuba are made from zinc alloy. It is not an easy task to make such a sukashi after the modling. And the sekigane is patinated on the right one. When it is reworked someone spent a lot of hours of work on it. 

[vajo]

On 12/9/2025 at 1:15 PM, Spartancrest said:

Watch out for "the backyard blacksmith" as well https://www.jauce.com/user/CAWaKufXrxBdNGAA4UXmvfeWjVRf  he likes putting big copper sekigane on brand new oily black patina fakes.

 

           

He could do with changing his background image as well!

Dale there is differnce between a patinated sekigane and hot oiled or painted copper. 

I think that collectors know and see the difference.