gtstcactus

Could you recommend someone who could "open a window"? I doubt there is anyone qualified in New Zealand so it would have to go overseas. I'll try get a better focused shot of the mekugi hole, to perhaps determine if it has been filled and repunched.

Any chance of a link to somewhere with a proper explanation of satsuma koshirae, i googled it and got a heap of garbage. I don't get it...

I also want to ad that the blade probably looks worse than in the pics than it really is... bit like they say tv ads 10lbs, my photography does nothing good for subject

It is 39cm from the top of the tsuba to the tip, 13cm from the fuchi to the end of the kashira. Plus .04cm for the tsuba. That gives us 52.4 centimeter = 20.629 inch. So that length is right for a wakizahsi isn't it?

I am asking if anyone can tell me anything about this sword as in actually being Japanese made, possible age, or if there is anything else that can be learned about the origins of it other than it's from somewhere in Japan. If not, oh well, no big deal. Perhaps the menuki were purely practical as opposed to ornamental which if I read right was a later development. Also maybe a sign that someone wasn't rich...Yes the tsuka-maki is bad, it's seems old and worn, and I suspect half of the material was lost at some point and it was rewrapped with what was left. Perhaps it was made without a yokote? I guess it's not shobu-zukuri. Perhaps it has been erased. To me it is interesting, even if it's just to learn whats average. yeah so I haven't been into this as long as you or others, and haven't handled huge numbers of nihonto as many on here have. I know you said not to be offended and I'm not really but just kind of bummed out. Like your sword is total crap, why did you even bother posting? (probably true it's crap) I'll put it out with the garbage. I no it's no national treasure, nor did I think it could be when I got it. I guess maybe some of you older hands see heaps of newcomers here like me and just get sick of seeing some of us posting pictures of their "uninteresting" swords in less than mint condition. I didn't spend much on it, I thought I did ok. I feel like I should never have posted about it now and just minded my business. I realise posting on here opens it up for comment both good and bad and mariuszk is just calling like he/she sees it, and that's fair enough, no point in sugar coating things.

Lorenzo, thank you for your explanation, it may be elementary to some of you more experienced folk around here.... but to me it's big learning curve! When it was made would it not have had a smooth surface and the bit you've pointed out would have been covered and unseen? Could some other metal have been used and lost over time?

Thanks for the link. Ok I have just inspected the openings and then gone back over it with my 30x lens, I can't see any remains of a casting seam.... perhaps they were filed off. Could a forged tsuba be damaged like that from a sword strike?

Perhaps you could help me (and perhaps others) learn and explain the tell tale signs you see, that lead you to the said conclusion....

and a side on view....

Hey, Just thought I'd pop a couple of pics of the Tsuba from the wakazashi I've just aquired... The seller said the Tsuba was possibly older than the sword (which he said is 17th century but thats unconfirmed). Any info appreciated... The dimensions are 5.8cm top to bottom, 5.7cm width, 0.4cm thick.

Last one! A section of the blade to show the state of polish and general condition

The bits I haven't covered yet... The Tang, & kissaki

More pics, this time the menuki up close, looks like a bit of plain iron folded at the sides, certainly not a highly elaborate menuki! Also pics of the Tsuba. The Habaki and the markings on it. The naked blade.

Hi All, I've just aquired a wakizashi. I don't know much of the history, previous owner said it was 17th Century..... How true that is I'm not sure. It is Mumei, and really could use a polish! It's not rusted. I will post some pics. If there is any information that can be obtained from the photos I'd be most appreciative to hear it. Anything anyone can tell me, as to age, possible school / area it was made. The saya has a slot for a kogatana, and looks like it might have crushed abalone shell in the lacquer / coating. Do you think this is authentic? Jason G

I've got a couple of questions regarding Kozuka or the utility knife that some katana or wakizashi have (or have slots for on the saya). Are they made to a "standard" size? I have a wakizashi with a slot for a kozuka and the tsuba accomodates it, however the original kozuka is no longer with the sword. I would like to obtain one preferably of similar age.(I'm told 400 years) (Digital camera is charging I'll post pics soon) So can I just pick one I find for sale be it on ebay or from another member here? Or am I somehow going to have to measure the depth of the slot and find a kozuka that fits my specifications? Sorry if these seem like the answers are obvious,they aren't to me! So any info welcomed!

I think I would speak for most here in saying we'll support whatever you decide Brian. However the offers made are just away of showing support for you and what you do. I also understand where your coming from and that should be respected too... Jason

Hey, I'm happy to contribute what I can to the fund.......... Jason

Was the batch number 67835 used on nco gunto swords? I know it was used on some type 98 (i think) officers gunto swords but not sure about NCO swords. Or is it likely a case of the chinese not quite getting the right number on the right copy?

I am truely amazed! I'd hate to think how much a gunto with the same tassle attached would cost!

I live in New Zealand, we have out own auction site, so I've only just started using ebay. I now have +1 feedback, but it can be really hard for legit buyers like me with under 10+ feedbacks to purchase stuff due to lack of feedback. So it's a nasty cycle, can't bid due to lack of feedback, can't get feedback because can't bid!!!! I know with patience I'll get there but it can be frustrating.

Ok, LOL I've gone from thinking the Dragon tsuba was alright, then I thought I shouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole, and now I'm back to thinking it's alright and worth getting. Maybe I should have included that closeup of the gold colored work sooner...

Now that's some good info! Just the sort of thing I'm interested in hearing..... Kind of looks like the one in this post http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3067&p=22621

Ok it must be a copy...... The book says D. 10.5 cm the auction piece is a tad bigger. The design on the left is closer to the edge in the book.... Jason G

My book says muromachi period. Not sure if it's a copy or mistake..... I've attatched a photo of the book page.

I just seen this Tsuba on the JSA auction site. Now the funny thing was I had my book The Japanese Sword by Kanzan Sato open on page 153. It looks like the exact same Tsuba. So would this be a copy or what??? In my book it says it is Muromachi period and in the collection of Matsumoto Kintaro, which may have been broken up. Or it could be a later copy. The price was one of the cheaper ones I saw on the 1st page I looked at. how strange is that tho, that I had the same tsuba open in my book on my coffee table! http://www.l-wise.co.jp/super-jsa/auction.cgi?num=7269&mode=detail Jason G