John A Stuart Posted February 3, 2012 Report Posted February 3, 2012 I finally got around to posting information about where a sword of mine originated at the end of WW II. I wish I could track further back but, that'll be difficult. Most of the info had been made available to me previously by Darcy. John http://www.johnstuart.biz/new_page_14.htm Oh, I forgot. There are new banners added done by Emmanuel in the banner section. Quote
Stegel Posted February 4, 2012 Report Posted February 4, 2012 Hi John, It's possible that it was taken in 1946, official surrender ceremonies continued right up to mid 1946, as senior officials were allowed to hold on to their swords until the Allies no longer 'employed' them after the war. Although i may be wrong as i think these ceremonies were predominantly held by British and Commonwealth forces. It is an excellent piece and beautiful koshirae, i love it! /Ernst Quote
Eric H Posted February 4, 2012 Report Posted February 4, 2012 John, you are a lucky guy to own this outstanding sword, and to have information on a part of its very last history, which adds a lot to its value. The Koshirae is perfect in any aspect. Those who already have visited John‘s site know of this exceptional Wakizashi by Kanesada (Nosada), highly interesting in relation to the hamon, but the new informations on its history are specially valuable. Thank you for sharing... Eric Quote
Curran Posted February 4, 2012 Report Posted February 4, 2012 The saya alone is a beautiful example of Owari style lacquerwork. I've seen one of these damaged and deconstructed. The style is quite a bit of work. Don't let the saya get dinged. If you collapse one of those ridges, they are a devil to restore. Really a very complete koshirae. I regard these as very rare now outside of Japan. Even in Japan a piece is often missing and cannot be replaced tastefully. I have one (only one) complete original koshirae that has been a favorite of my collection for 8 or 9 years now. Beautiful koshirae. Got to do a complete photography catalog of it at some point. A serious of short tracking videos and a few still pictures. Or an Richard K. George hemiscope of it. Quote
John A Stuart Posted February 4, 2012 Author Report Posted February 4, 2012 Even a little teaser shot would be nice Curran. John Quote
Curran Posted February 4, 2012 Report Posted February 4, 2012 Not sure the picture will fit. You've probably seen it before. Piece is understated, but matching down to the shibuichi habaki. TH papers at present. Quote
John A Stuart Posted February 4, 2012 Author Report Posted February 4, 2012 Oh yeah. Still is a great example. To tell you the truth, I like a subdued koshirae, something tactile about it. John Quote
markturner Posted February 5, 2012 Report Posted February 5, 2012 Hi, the activity and pattern in this sword is amazing. I am beginning to understand what makes a great sword. I have not seen pictures of a sword with detail and activity that is as alive and vibrant as this before. truly beautiful, you are a lucky man to own such a piece! Regards, Mark Quote
paulb Posted February 5, 2012 Report Posted February 5, 2012 Careful Mark, I always find when I think I am beginning to understand this subject and what consitutes a beautiful sword something comes along to prove just how little I really know and understand. I guess that is what keeps the process interesting. I do agree with you about Johns sword though Quote
Eric H Posted February 5, 2012 Report Posted February 5, 2012 Piece is understated, but matching down to the shibuichi habaki. TH papers at present. I remember to have seen this well preserved and elegant Toppei-Koshirae with roiro-nuri inrokizami saya and leather wrapping with fittings en-suite in another thread... an interesting feature is the spring lock, from what I believe is only seen on Koshirae of the late 19th c. Would be interesting to see the blade Eric Quote
Curran Posted February 6, 2012 Report Posted February 6, 2012 The blade is a nice simple Echizen Shimosaka Yoroi-doshi. Over 1cm thick, but otherwise nothing special. The spring mechanism has a pin locking system inside the little box carriage. It locks and unlocks as smooth as clockwork. Quote
Darcy Posted February 12, 2012 Report Posted February 12, 2012 Additional info: the sword was at the time in Germany, unpapered when I bought it. It was the third sword I bought in my lifetime and everyone told me I was crazy because of the sanbonsugi but it had no problem passing at the NBTHK. It's very easy to pronounce something gimei, it's a bit harder to go out on a limb and say you think it's good. Since then I've made a lot of mistakes but this time I was right. Always loved that koshirae too. The new tsuba looks far better on there than the old one, which I think was a replacement anyway, not clear when the Higo one got added. I am still fascinated by it being in sanbonsugi. I never have seen or heard of another Kanesada made like this. I would love to see photos or stories of another one in this same construction. It sure did photograph well. A lot of the time a sword resists the camera and you have to fight it to get it to come out. This one was a piece of cake. Quote
John A Stuart Posted February 12, 2012 Author Report Posted February 12, 2012 Hi Darcy, I was thinking I would add that part, but, it was your personal history and not mine to share. Glad you did. John Quote
Tcat Posted February 13, 2012 Report Posted February 13, 2012 Very beautiful sword John, congratulations, and thanks for the pictures. (Very nice Yoroi-doshi too Curran.) Quote
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