Brian

You can't be serious. You have any idea what Mishina sensei charges for a polish? Then add the papers. Did you miss the mukansa level koshirae? Hiroshi Miyajima is literally mukansa for habaki since 1998 and his work is usually on National Treasures. I'm not going to guess a price, but I bet you wouldn't come much under the reserve if you had this all done.

You guys seem to forget that in many/most cases the seller sets his reserve and the auctioneers have to stick to that. In my experience, if it doesn't sell, then it's up to the seller if they want to start dropping their reserve.

Guys, be respectful. If you think the start price is high, it's an auction and that will decide if it sells or not. I like the fact that auctioneers will post a heads up here. Thanks for that Tim, and good luck. Lovely sword.

No, I don't think many if any swords were officially tested but with no inscription made at all on the nakago. It wasn't just a personal thing to know if your sword could cut, it was to elevate the particular sword. I am sure other testing was done just for testing sake, but this sword of testing was expensive and I suspect swords would have some sort of marking to that effect. I assume you mean any inscription, not just the gold inlay.

Get a decent polisher to open a window.

No-one likes calling gimei or shoshin from a mei alone. Most are going to say you need to judge the work, not the mei. But it does appear to be poorly done. There is a lot of hesitation in the strokes, and if I had to make a call based purely on that, I would have to go with a call of gimei.

Hard pass. Spend $700-1000 and get a decent local wakizashi, there will be plenty US members who can offer you way better. @Mark

Nope, we do not prohibit that, as long as it is within reason and common sense. Pricing isn't the focus, but if it's relevant and necessary then it's allowed. We try balance the best interests of the buyer and seller.

As per my post here: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/50517-kai-gunto-help-needed I'm possibly looking for a set of Kai Gunto seppa, including the 2 rising sun o-seppa and possibly the accompanying seppa. Don't need a tsuba, and they should not be cut for a retaining strap. Not quite sure how I'd get them to South Africa, USA would be easier, maybe UK. But wanted to see if there are any out there before I work out the logistics. Love to get this sword complete. Thanks all.

Thanks all. Appreciate it. Yes..I do suspect it had the 2 Kai Gunto o-seppa at some point. I guess I'll be looking out for a set and see if I can get them to SA. Rest of the fittings look original. I would guess that Masahiro was a workshop more than just a single smith. Maybe a number of workers making swords in a workshop and being signed by him. If it's true that he had a workshop at Takayama prison, then likely that prisoners were making swords under his direction and maybe they were signed by him. Resemblance to Emura's efforts, but more mass produced and not Gendaito. Sword was part of a larger deal for knives and militaria, and will be able to sell the other stuff for more, so it's essentially at no cost. Can't beat that price

Stumbled into this one recently, out of the blue. Although almost all of my swords are Gendaito or antiques, I did want to get one example of the common main military patterns, and aside from a nice Kyu Gunto, I was missing a Kai Gunto. Not common here at all. It's a Seki Showato blade. Perhaps someone can help with the mei. My question regards the fittings. I am used to most Kai Gunto pics having the sunray o-seppa. I think this is a bit of a parts sword, as there are a few regular but large seppa, and only a number on the tsuba. One leather seppa. I'm assuming someone added seppa to tighten it up. But was wondering if this would have had the ray o-seppa? Do the other fittings look ok and original? If the parts are put together, I may look at getting the correct seppa. Nothing too fancy, but I like it. Fills the gap, and for very, very little money. Thanks all.

Buyer pointed out that he was sending unanswered inquiries about this long before Imazu san was ill. I agree it's likely the item will be shipped eventually, but for me the lack of response or updates is unacceptable. Let's give it another week, and if still nothing, I may ask if anyone is willing to call him on behalf of the buyer.

Posting this on behalf of a member who wishes to remain anonymous for now. Does anyone have any feedback or comments on the Japanese dealer Giheiya ? This member ordered a sword mid August from them, and was told the export paperwork would take around 5 weeks to process. 5 Weeks later, they enquired as to the progress, and was told the paperwork wasn't ready yet. I know there have been some delays with export paperwork lately. But 6 weeks later, they inquired again, with no response. Weekly requests, even in Japanese, received no answer. Up to now, there has been no further update or response. Wants to ask if anyone has any experience, or maybe suggestions on how to deal with this. I agree that no replies after someone pays a significant amount of money is unacceptable. What would people suggest the course of action would be at this stage? Do we know if they deal in English? I would be inclined to make a phonecall to them to ask what the update it. 3 Months seems excessive to receive feedback. This thread doesn't put them in a good light: https://www.reddit.c...with_giheiya_before/

Not cast. What Grey said.

Thanks for sharing Mal. I wonder what the earliest swords are that are found with horimono.