tsubas I bought

[jason_mazzy]

Would you all be so kind as to translate these for me?

 

 

 

and would you say the value of all combined is worth at least $150?

 

Thank you gentleman, and ladies for your time and assistance.

[Tsugio Kawakami]

These all look like repros, to me...but I'm not the most knowledgeable on tosogu. I'd pay about $15 apiece, tops.

 

Like I said, though, I could be wrong.

[b.hennick]

+Hi Jason:

None look as if they have been mounted on a sword. All look to be caste and probably Chinese copies to me. $150 is not a lot for a tsuba. I have been able to purchase genuine tsuba from members in the for sale section. I have not been disappointed. I suggest that you spend your money on books and but sword stuff after looking at a lot of pictures and real pieces. I think that if you are at all near Cihcago or San Francisco you should attend a show, You will be able to see and handle both swords and fittings. You can learn a lot and perhaps find a genuine treasure. Fight the temptation to buy until you know some more. Even then you will probably make some mistakes.

As other have said Ebay is a dangerous place. You do need to know - what you are looking at, what to look for, who you are dealing with and how much it is worth.

[jason_mazzy]

ok thank you. they were bought from what I was told was a reputable tsuba dealer in Japan. So i hope they are as old as I was told.

[Jamie]

Jason,

I too am fairly new to collecting. I understand the urge to have something.

But the advice of these folks-is priceless. Read, Look at real pieces-and learn. Take any cash you might waste, and attend a show. At least that way - you can get an opinion while your there- from someone who knows.

I went to a Kai and just talked to some folks. There were many who were friendly and who I have asked plenty of questions since that show. Most of the folks in the community want to help us learn. You need books man.

(I do too)

 

Also That katana you'ere looking at on Ebay has no defined yokote line. It's probably a gunto- but without better pics and some of the tang- you can't be sure. Be Careful man.

[Mark Green]

Sorry Bro, All your new tsuba look like cast copies. Not very good ones at that.

 

I am willing to help you. All you need do is ask.

 

Mark G

[cspage]

Jason, in my relatively short experience and love affair with tsuba, I've come to realize that any single tsuba worth considering will most likely be at least $300 (wakizashi or tanto size usually) and most probably much more. Any tsuba offered for less would be suspect or of low quality. But the best advice is that already given...learn. Be patient, look at the websites of reputable sword guys, the links section of this site is a good place to start, and read what they have to say. Sometimes they have sales and if you can wait for them, it can be very rewarding. Books are expensive, but well worth the outlay if you can deal with it.

 

Colin

[jason_mazzy]

I agree with all of you. I am definately waiting on some swords. Just was looking for some starter tsuba to have. The man in Japan stated them as Japanese handmade tsuba, i know he had some other real nice pieces that sold for $600 plus. So I took a chance on him. When I recieve them if they are cast copies I will just use the protections visa gives. Mark G is who I am hoping to come see by the end of the month. I really want to learn and he is only 1.5 hours away. I thank all of you guys, and please don't take my posts of ebay stuff as disrespect for your opinion, but as a way for me to see what you guys see that I have not yet. Thank all of you guys.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... K:MEWNX:IT is original link. here you will see them described as original not reproduction, country of origin is Japan, and copper. So if these are not true then I have recourse with my CC or paypal. I may have been saved from myself by all of your gracious help.

 

Jason M.

USA ARMY (RET)

[hybridfiat]

Id steer well clear of this guy's products if I were you. Keep your eyes peeled for tsuba on this site as the knowledgable members here will peer review any posting and you know then it is genuine.

[Aloof Pegasus]

Hi Jason

 

Sakura Zipang is not a bad seller but you probably noticed his area seems to be mainly tea things. I think he picks up sword related stuff from time to time as do most other antique dealers here without knowing much about it. However his descriptions are always minimal which is a point in his favour. He is easy to deal with btw.

 

He just sold an Owari tsuba like a beautiful one Markus has for sale here on the board with snow flake/matsukawabishi. Of course the condition of Markus' tsuba is far superior and he guarantees it so a vast diff (edit just checked and it's papered). The S-Z one went for US$ 150 and it looked fairly ok to my uneducated eye.

 

As Mariusz said in relation to another tsuba discussion recently many sellers are just processing them without paying any attention to what they are selling, strictly cash and wrap. Have you found his beginner's tsuba blog yet? It's very helpful for those of us at the bottom of the learning curve.

 

Philip

[moss]

Jason,

 

I reckon that this idea of yours with the constant recourse of doing a" Paypal claim"is the wrong way to approach solving a bad buy on your part.

Cop it on the chin, buy some books,listen to the guys on the board who will happily share their experience....but only if you listen and learn,and slow down a little and watch the" For Sales" on NHMB.

Please don't think I am trying to get at you, it is just that if you keep mentioning" Paypal claim"I know, I for one would wait until the Paypal had hit the bank before I sent the goods or insist on a money order.

I am not a dealer just an enthusiast but there are some top notch dealers on the board and you may give them a bad touch of nerves if they ever sell to you.

4 tsuba $130 odd dollars on Ebay you can be sure many eyes passed them by,it's not like it is a secret site and the seller didn't mention a time period.

Also in Japanglish "a liitle old" or "original" can be interpreted many ways.

Chuck them back on ebay or PM me, pay for the postage and I will send you another"Original" tsuba gratis.How good is that !Then you have 5.

 

Cheers and better luck in the future

 

Moss

[Marius]

in my relatively short experience and love affair with tsuba, I've come to realize that any single tsuba worth considering will most likely be at least $300 (wakizashi or tanto size usually) and most probably much more. Any tsuba offered for less would be suspect or of low quality.

 

Colin,

 

you are right, good tsuba do cost a bit. But I would be careful with setting a limit below which you can find only low value. Look at this tsuba (picture attached), bought form one of the Board members. Would you consider it low quality? I bought it at slightly more than half of your limit of$300. It is small, a tsuba for a yoroidoshi tanto, but typical Higo, very good iron finished in migakiji with excellent, deep patina.

[cspage]

Mariusz, yes, that's a lovely tsuba, and you were very fortunate in acquiring it. As I said above, tsubas less than $300 are "most likely" to be suspect or of low quality. There are exceptions to everything, especially if you know what you're doing. I also have purchased tsuba at less than $300 dollars, but with careful research, some knowledge and a little experience, and have not been disappointed. It is just a ballpark measurement to keep in mind when evaluating what is being offered.

 

Colin

[raven2]

in my relatively short experience and love affair with tsuba, I've come to realize that any single tsuba worth considering will most likely be at least $300 (wakizashi or tanto size usually) and most probably much more. Any tsuba offered for less would be suspect or of low quality.

 

Colin,

 

you are right, good tsuba do cost a bit. But I would be careful with setting a limit below which you can find only low value. Look at this tsuba (picture attached), bought form one of the Board members. Would you consider it low quality? I bought it at slightly more than half of your limit of$300. It is small, a tsuba for a yoroidoshi tanto, but typical Higo, very good iron finished in migakiji with excellent, deep patina.

 

I have got to agree with Mariusz. I got two very nice tsuba at the Fla show for under $300. (Here is the link for pix: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7056) But if you are buying, you have to know what you are looking at and who you are buying from.

[jason_mazzy]

Hi Jason

 

Sakura Zipang is not a bad seller but you probably noticed his area seems to be mainly tea things. I think he picks up sword related stuff from time to time as do most other antique dealers here without knowing much about it. However his descriptions are always minimal which is a point in his favour. He is easy to deal with btw.

 

He just sold an Owari tsuba like a beautiful one Markus has for sale here on the board with snow flake/matsukawabishi. Of course the condition of Markus' tsuba is far superior and he guarantees it so a vast diff (edit just checked and it's papered). The S-Z one went for US$ 150 and it looked fairly ok to my uneducated eye.

 

As Mariusz said in relation to another tsuba discussion recently many sellers are just processing them without paying any attention to what they are selling, strictly cash and wrap. Have you found his beginner's tsuba blog yet? It's very helpful for those of us at the bottom of the learning curve.

 

Philip

 

 

Yes he was very easy to deal with i contacted him with my concerns and offered to still purchase them. I told him that they may be chinese casts, and he was happy to return my money. He was very classy. A point for him, and when I want a nice tea item I will definately purchase from him.

[estcrh]

Hi Jason

 

Sakura Zipang is not a bad seller but you probably noticed his area seems to be mainly tea things. I think he picks up sword related stuff from time to time as do most other antique dealers here without knowing much about it. However his descriptions are always minimal which is a point in his favour. He is easy to deal with btw.

 

He just sold an Owari tsuba like a beautiful one Markus has for sale here on the board with snow flake/matsukawabishi. Of course the condition of Markus' tsuba is far superior and he guarantees it so a vast diff (edit just checked and it's papered). The S-Z one went for US$ 150 and it looked fairly ok to my uneducated eye.

 

As Mariusz said in relation to another tsuba discussion recently many sellers are just processing them without paying any attention to what they are selling, strictly cash and wrap. Have you found his beginner's tsuba blog yet? It's very helpful for those of us at the bottom of the learning curve.

 

Philip

 

 

Yes he was very easy to deal with i contacted him with my concerns and offered to still purchase them. I told him that they may be chinese casts, and he was happy to return my money. He was very classy. A point for him, and when I want a nice tea item I will definately purchase from him.

Jason, did you notice that he did not mention antique or any other reference to age....keep that in mind next time...and if you have something in mind to purchase you can send a private message to a board member asking an opinion and I am sure that you do not have to worry about that person trying to buy the item themselves... you will just get an honest opinion.