O koumori

Ghosts must exist too...

My concern is that more shipments would be questioned and opened for "inspection."

Could this mean trouble ahead for Nihonto shipments labeled as 'art' or "antiques?" Facebook post: Know Your Planet osprSdntoe3tM71 9011arcafc7745f4lhtc4M0P:l15 ii7 u a3i8a31ht · A routine cargo inspection at the Port of Philadelphia turned into a remarkable archaeological discovery. In February 2026, officers from U.S. Customs and Border Protection noticed unusual shapes during an X-ray scan of a shipment labeled simply as “metal decoration articles.” When the boxes were opened, the contents told a very different story. Inside were 36 copper-alloy short swords and about 50 arrowheads, dating back to the Bronze Age, roughly between 1600 and 1000 BCE. Experts studying the artifacts believe they likely originated near the Talish Mountains, a region along the Caspian Sea that today lies within parts of modern Iran. According to officials, the shipment had been sent from the United Arab Emirates and was destined for Jacksonville. The problem was not just the weapons themselves, but how they were described. Ancient artifacts often carry critical historical information tied to the places where they are found. When such items are removed from archaeological sites and sold privately, the context that helps historians understand past cultures can be permanently lost. What appeared to be an ordinary package moving through global trade turned out to be a fragment of ancient warfare and craftsmanship from nearly four thousand years ago. Sometimes protecting history begins with something simple, a customs officer noticing that a label does not quite match what lies inside the box.

All I can say is Thank You!!!!

“…the shingane appearing is a distinctive feature throughout all of middle Aoe as the sumi hada of Aoe.” From Fujishiro Koto hen A couple of pictures from my mu-mei blade attributed to Chu Aoe Yoshitsugu by NTHK-NPO

Back to the katana... The nakago looks dry and flakey to me - could it have been in a fire?

two more?

Hawley

Difficult to say from this photo,

Thanks for the images - beautiful!

Yes, it's real. It is a Hozon paper - not likely to be forged.

Rest in peace Guido.

Nobody has mentioned attempting to ensure that the 'new' owners employ careful stewardship and care for these historical and culturally important objects. Perhaps in this community that goes without saying. Personally I'd rather take a monetary loss, knowing that they will be properly cared for, than realize a large profit dispersing them to a hack...And I'd like to think that my heirs are of the same opinion. just my 2 cents... Dan K

Forensic laboratories can use neutron activation analysis to discern serial numbers after they have been filed off (firearms, etc.) This is a non-destructive test. I wonder if it would work in this case?