Ed Hicks

Yoshichika katana with REALLY Odd Stamp! Okay, someone explain this one to me...I recently acquired a sword made by Yoshichika, a good quality sword with a fine hamon and strong construction...Signed with a deep stamp at the tip of the nakago with what I believe is a helmet and the word WARRIOR in English!!! It resembles Pacman with a Mohawk!

mei

blade

Yoshichika katana with REALLY Odd Stamp! Okay, someone explain this one to me...I recently acquired a sword made by Yoshichika, a good quality sword with a fine hamon and strong construction...Signed with a deep stamp at the tip of the nakago with what I believe is a helmet and the word WARRIOR in English!!! It resembles Pacman with a Mohawk!

This is what made the "catalyst" going. Remember? After some more or less entertaining salti and pirouettes I'd like to go back to this particular statement. It is suggesting there is something like a "textbook MITSUYO". - Very little is known about the MITSUYO working around late Heian/early Kamakura period. Actually "O-Tenta MITSUYO" (treasured by the Maeda) and "Miike MITSUYO" (treasured by Kunozan Toshogu) are the only two reliable examples we can refer to. At least one of them must be known (i.e. studied in hand) to make a valid statement. Anything else is just ridiculous. - You can read all the books and study all the hi-res pics in the world. They are just preparing you for what's to come. No less and no more. They are no substitute for the real thing. A few things can be said about the pictures of the nakago however and Guido pointed them out very well. reinhard reinhard, I may have been careless describing the sword initially and I may be wrong in my hope that this sword is of the school (according to my very limited research)...However I phrased my posting there is no reason for such arrogance on your part or such a dismissive attitude toward fellow collectors (or subjects as implied by the tone of your comments)...A simple and courteous reflective suggestion to visit the sword again and attempt to properly present it for comment would have sufficed. Ed

When I return next week I will try to post decent images of the blade...My original intent was to just share an unusual sword on this forum ...I didn't anticipate the controversy or the apparent negative effect it would have on another's sensibilities ...My statement regarding the Mitsuyo was based on my research and at no time did I make a claim that it is OTenta as may have been suggested (I'm not totally stupid, just lazy )...Ed

That's a bit harsh, reinhard

reinhard, My assumption is that the habaki (which is indeed Japanese by the way) is either a family mon (most likely) or a nod to the Mitsuyo O Denta habaki (maybe, but less likely)...As for the textbook remark I made, that is an opinion based on my observation of this sword in hand having compared it to references at hand (none of which included an actual Mitsyo blade)...From my meager research it appears to be a later example in the school (if I am correct) and the kinzogan attribution may be correct or not...Being a very young novice and having little experience with swords I may have missed something, but I make no claim to this sword being other than what it is-a very intriguing and fine quality koto sword in very rare mounts...Once I take better photos I will post it in the proper forum for discussion. Ed

George, Well said and neatly phrased, thanks, you have precisely described my posting...This is so much fun I'll post a Go Yoshihiro tanto soon. Ed

Stephen, I'm not sure if I should keep this one...Too many holes in the tang and the habaki is too bright!!! I am amused at a few of the comments though, especially the one regarding the nakago and habaki. "But seriously: This nakago is a laugh. Not because of the number of mekugi-ana but because of their shapes and placement. Old nakago don't look like this. BTW the kinzogan-mei is quite new and the habaki looks brand-new to me and not even of Japanese origin from a distance." reinhard, if you were to see the sword I think you might have a different opinion...I am not sure how many swords you've seen, but I will assure you that it is an original nakago and the blade is exceptional...The mounts are certainly rare and the habaki was likely new to the blade when last polished before WWII, but if you get closer to your screen you will see that it is indeed Japanese. Ed

I'll try to post photos of the blade...It is textbook Mitsuyo (Very interesting habaki similar mon as on the O-Tenta) and the hi are extraordinary...Kin zogan mei and a lot of mekugiana...The Imperial Household Sword mounts aren't too shabby either and are quite rare. Ed

Miike MITSUYO Imperial Household Sword http://warpathinc.winkflash.com for photos

Charlie, Thanks...I can't make out the maker's name if that is what is there. Ed

Sword Translation needed...thanks for the help. Ed edhicks82@aol.com