Some fine gendaito at the next BIRMINGHAM ARMS FAIR (UK)

[Matsunoki]

Having recently completed the sale of my own sword collection I discovered that life without swords isn’t so much fun especially as I really enjoy doing the above show. Such a great crowd of genuine people. 
Fortuitously I was unexpectedly given the opportunity to buy some lovely swords from two private collections in an interesting series of deals. 
Included were some really excellent Gendai-to in superb koshirae that are pretty scarce in the UK and I will be taking some of these plus a few other swords from the same collection to the Fair on 20th Sept.

They say a picture speaks 1000 words, well I’m coming at it the other way to save me taking lots of poor images. Below you can see some of the description cards that I’ve prepared. I have not exaggerated anything but if you spot an innocent error please let me know via PM. 
I will only sell swords face to face to avoid misunderstandings so if something grabs you then let me know. I will happily meet somewhere for serious enquiries. If you already know me then give me a ring!

I am not selling them here on the NMB but will make a donation(s) on all sales to “pay for this advert”🙂

Hope to see some of you as usual at the Fair. 
Best.C.

[Alex A]

Love it. When all you hear in the UK is the same old boring talk about how sword collecting has become a pain in the ass with folks constantly moaning about how difficult it is to import/export. Going on and on and throwing fuel on the fire.

 

Such a pleasent change, great news.

 

Cheers.

[Matsunoki]

Thanks Alex, much appreciated. 
Can’t have fun when we’re dead can we?…..and I hit 70 a few weeks ago. Can’t make up my mind if that’s good news or bad news. Actually it’s more of a miracle🙂

[Alex A]

Happy your back in the game,

 

A passion is hard to die.

[Matsunoki]

A recent discussion with someone far more knowledgeable than me and with greater research ability has prompted me to re-describe one of the above swords (the Nozarashi katana). One main point was discovering the remains of a date as well as a mei. Neither are really legible sadly but an interesting challenge given the strong Bizen steer. 

Herewith….

[The Blacksmith]

@Matsunoki Colin, may I ask what prompted you to sell your collection, or were they all always for sale anyway? 

 

I have collected for over sixty years, and yes, there have been times when I haven't had anything at all, but now I simply couldn't imagine not having weapons around me. I do know a friend who buys something, then sells it a few days later and buys somethings else. Thats not for me, I buy it and I keep it, especially now. Probably I may upgrade a few pieces, but otherwise everything stays put.

[Matsunoki]

2 hours ago, The Blacksmith said:

Colin, may I ask what prompted you to sell your collection

Hi Russ

For me the enjoyment comes from searching for and finding nice things that I like.  The thrill of the chase! The challenge of putting a deal together. Buying something that “isn’t for sale”! Actually owning things forever does not really have the same effect. This is my second sword collection that I’ve just finished selling. The first collection was many many years ago. I don’t really miss any of them. Well maybe just one sword. The swords in this thread I bought purely to keep doing the Arms Fair. (Plus they are actually some pretty decent pieces)
Whilst swords and good fittings are my “first love” I’ve done the same with antique guns, medals, netsuke, Bowie knives etc and a far wider range of Japanese art….mostly Meiji , which is what we used to deal in. I’ve sold (nearly) all of that as well.

I also think it’s all the like-minded people you meet on the journey from all walks of life in all sorts of circumstances.
That probably doesn’t make sense to many on here.…..not sure it even makes sense to me

……but I sure don’t do it for money!

[The Blacksmith]

Thank you Colin, I do well understand the 'thrill of the chase', and this is a topic that we have discussed several times in collecting circles. A friend who has had to sell his collection recently due to divorce, has said the same to me, for him it was also the thrill of the chase, not the actual owning of an item. For myself, well, I buy an item, sometimes an item that I have wanted for many years, and then it goes with the others and becomes merely one of a number, certainly not forgotten, but perhaps rarely looked at and perhaps not appreciated as much as they may merit. I find that strange.

I too have sold two collections over the years, but could never imagine doing so again.

[Matsunoki]

Whatever works for each of us. No rules. 
Life is short…..cram as much in as possible🙂🙂….literally🙂?