Brian

Can't blame you...gorgeous!

Yeah, I get it. But there's that "precedent" thing I need to keep in mind. Otherwise I'm going to get people posting tsuba books in the fittings section, and armour books in the katchu section. Once I allow one, the next guy gets to say "but you allowed....." Sorry, but if the military guys have any sense, they will be checking this section regularly. Btw...excellent books that are a must have.

Dan, Do me a favour please. Take a confirmed (modern copy is fine) cast tsuba, take a punch, and punch around the nakago ana heavily to deform the metal like many of these you post. Tell us if the metal deforms nicely and changes shape, or if it crumbles and bits fall off.

Last I heard, he was in a non responsive state after his stroke, and there was no hope for recovery. Can you confirm that he passed? Had not heard that. Was a huge loss to the entire community.

Sorry, fixed now.

I've just uploaded the new updated version of Part 2 of Japanese Naval Swords article. Huge thanks as always go out to Mal for his considerable efforts and for sharing with us.

Thanks Thomas. Appreciate it. Mine is early London Agency, I think it was 1906.

Hover over the title, click and hold.

Off topic, but since I can't afford that Colt book Thomas... Any chance you can take a look if there is a section on 1903 .32's that were sold through the Colt London Agency? Particularly interested in any info/pics of leather cased ones (looks like a small leather suitcase) with the Colt London Agency trade label inside the lid. Never managed to get the book, and have a nice example of the pistol in my collection, early 1900's. If you get a chance. Thanks.

Wow...that's stunning.

Not unusual for that time period to have kanji on the blade, usually patriotic saying. The sword is legit.

Nice colour!

I think it's general accepted and mentioned somewhere that only a bit of the steel was used, mixed with regular blade steel. So yes...more of a patriotic thing.

Look, it's a valid complaint. Not saying it's shilling or not....and not making any ethical statements on this practice. But as someone said, if the seller is good to work with, and offers good stuff and has a decent reputation, then it's time to put it down as a hidden reserve that either gets met or doesn't. Frustrating for buyers, but our community is small and it's time to get to know the handful of known and decent sellers personally. eBay isn't the answer. There's a reason many sellers don't use it, and those that do probably use it more to get their name out there. I'll consider this one closed, with the usual caveat of buyer beware and know your seller.

Another vote for 99%+ isopropyl alcohol. Won't affect the laquer or anything else that is original. Wipe it over a few times. The double habaki suggests this may be an earlier blade. Try and post some pics of the tang. I would consider getting a pair of Gunto menuki and having this rewrapped. It isn't a big job to have this looking complete.

Isn't that just 'kore'?

Arghhhh This one puts me in a spot. Eric is both a forum supporter and also a well known and respected member of the dealer community. Do I censor criticism of forum friends and be accused of bias or do I let it play out and risk a good relationship? You don't want this job..trust me guys. I guess I can't just play favorites, so I'll let this one stand for now and take the knock. That said, I want to mention that Eric is one of the most well known and respected dealers in the US. I like him a lot. He's blunt, direct, to the point, doesn't pull any punches. But he has a very good eye for quality, and deals in excellent items. I would buy from him any day. You'll find his best stuff sells off eBay and Facebook, to a great network who appreciate knowing they will get what they pay for, no surprises and no stuff that is messed with. I've met him a few times, and have a lot of time for him. He knows value, and I guess has a certain pricing expectation. I don't know if this is shilling or not. But I don't think anything is happening that the Japanese auctions don't do routinely, and is nowadays common on eBay. Japanese dealers pull items at the last minute or cancel auctions. That doesn't make it right. But I'd rather lose an item to a higher bid (valid or not) than get something that isn't exactly as described. Not condoning anything, whether it happens or not....but personally I would buy from him anytime. eBay is a minefield anyways, no matter who your favorite dealers are...always a good idea to build a relationship with them and deal personally off eBay and FB.

It's in the download section, and is a considerable update from the previous one. Thanks go to Mal for all the effort he puts into these, as well as all those who submit articles or assist with the research.

It is correct. General display in the room is to people walking in. The smith is behind the table, which is not the usual position of someone entering the room. He can't be expected to rotate it every time he walks behind the desk. Nothing wrong here, and that is just silly nitpicking.

Recovering from the surgeries is main priority right now. Wish I could say I'm feeling better every day, but I'm not. Wound isn't healing much, and I'd love to be feeling better. But already on the sugar thing, no sugar and eating the things I'm supposed to. It's all a lot to handle at the same time. Probably only be back at work Jan, which is driving the boss nuts. Trying to spend a bit of time out of bed, but sore today. Thanks for all the good thoughts, I do appreciate it. I think if the infection had spread another 2 or 3 days, I would have been in serious trouble. At one stage, temp was 39 degrees C. Just hoping they got all the infection.

Definitely wait for the link to book show rates at the hotel. Very decent prices and incredibly convenient.

Agree, fake.

As most of you know, I've been recovering from 2 surgeries for a perianal (embarrassing area) abscess that spread rapidly and they had to slice and dice me to remove necrotic tissue. Spent 8 days in hospital, and have been recovering at home the last 10. Slow recovery that makes sitting, standing and walking very difficult. At the same time I (finally) got diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I always pretty much knew I had it, but was stupid enough to wait for them to tell me. Anyways, it just makes everything more difficult, but I'll deal with it ok and am just lumping it into everything. That said, I think I am making some progress. Likely will be off until early Jan, and haven't been able to participate here as much as usual. But am monitoring and following everything. So...A big thanks to you guys for generally behaving yourselves and have seen some fascinating discussion, lots of sales and lots of good info and translations. I appreciate you guys removing some of the stress I anticipated, and am really happy with the way things carry on without micro managing. At the same time, I really do have to send a HUGE thanks to those of you who have supported the forum by renewing Gold memberships or sending some contributions for sales done etc. I was a little stressed about paying fees etc while I was laid up, but you supporters have really pulled though for me and taken a lot of that stress too. We have some great members here, and a bunch of new faces too, giving good questions and answers. And of course the old faces that are the heart of the forum that maintain the flow and strength of this place. So whether you didn't even know about the health issues and just carried on as you usually do, or whether you just participate with questions, answers or discussion, or whether you have supported us with subscriptions or donations..or whether you just lurk and read the forum....a huge thanks to you all. This is as good a time as any to wish you all a wonderful Festive Season and a prosperous New Year. Thanks to all of you, even the instigators who (in their own way) stoke debate and analysis. I'm here, just taking it slow and steady. Best to all. - B -

Agree, looks like a Chinese fake to me unfortunately.

Nagamaki