Brian

Looks like a WW2 Kai Gunto tsuba, part of a set of various numbered fittings used on the more mass produced Naval swords in WW2. How it ended up in CT I have no idea. That is a very weird one.

Gerry, you HAVE to try to post correctly please. You can't keep posting the way you are, as it's hard to read. Not sure why you haven't got the hang of this. When you read a post, at the bottom is a box, you type your reply, then click submit. There is nothing more you need to do. Tell us if you are posting from a pc or your phone. But it works the same way. You just type...click submit. Nothing complicated.

Bear in mind that false signatures have been done for centuries, and a false signature is not only common, but doesn't make the tsuba fake. It's a very nice tsuba showing some different techniques, and would be a decent addition to a collection. Your grandfather had good taste, and tsuba collectors know that without papers, any tsuba has a chance of having a spurious mei, but that each is judged on its own merits. You have a nice genuine tsuba with an unproven signature. Enjoy it.

So where is convenient to stay if you are exhibiting? Don't want to be Ubering everywhere just to get there and back. Any recommendations that are convenient and still decent?

Anyone who has been before, has it been in this location previously and is the hotel it's in the best option for staying at?

Can't disagree with anything Brett said. It is truly an astonishing book and one of the best I have ever seen.

This is gold! Huge thanks to those involved. This is a great resource to anyone who studies Nihonto, well done.

You're a star Trystan! Many thanks!

Yip, sorry

Sigh. I have an open mind, really I do. But this is weaponry. Yes, it's art...but the basis is still weaponry. How his forte for inclusiveness and the avantgarde in art is going to assist in his efforts to present Japanese swords, Lord only knows. Perhaps we will have a thesis on the sword as symbol of Japanese virility or how a Samurai's sword compensated for his lack of manhood. Maybe I should just keep quiet. Oh dear. Edit to add: Oh dear. Above I said "his forte..." and "his efforts" I meant of course "their" forte and efforts. Wouldn't want the internet to cancel me.

Bottom of the thread, there is a box. Just type your reply in there. Then click Submit reply.

Anyone? Can we at least maybe agree if this is Japanese or Chinese?

Gerry, just type your reply. No need to put it in any box or press anything else. Just type your reply, add the pic and submit.

Hi all, A friend's company was gifted this many years ago by an old lady, and she asked me if I am able to get any info on it. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any painter/artist name on it, so I expect it's a low quality mass produced piece, maybe Meiji onwards? I am not sure if it's Chinese or Japanese, the gut feel is a Chinese landscape but maybe done by a Japanese person? Also not sure, but suspect it's done on fabric or silk. Is anyone able to assist with any info or a translation? I think a certain mountain is mentioned there. Thanks in advance.

There's a small chance I may be going to assist someone to sell some high end armor. Hmmmmm

I agree with Colin, and the gold content can go down very low as Ford once mentioned. Plus I don't think those are all shakudo. Especially not the first.

Perfectly captured utsuri

Actually...I do yes. I have a fairly well stocked workshop, very proud of it :-)

Have a large one at home, I'll need to pull it out and take pics

I'm also in the "average Soten school tsuba" camp. Nothing top, but not just. As for value...I guess you would pay $400 or so for one in a shop or a dealer? That is a wild guess though, I may easily stand corrected

I'd say the quality is definitely there.

I'll message you what I have on behalf of the seller.

All upside down. Edit them on your phone etc, and resave. That will lock the orientation. Then edit your post, and re-upload to get them the right way round.

No, it dries like hard plastic. Not sticky or anything. The only risk would be getting some under a loose piece

Maybe message Raymond Yan on FB. He seems to have a steady supply of them at good prices, and lists them on one of the groups. https://www.facebook.com/raymond.yan.950241