gtstcactus

Yes you are right. As a matter of interest that wakizashi sold for $590NZD..... The price went right up near the end, I'm glad I passed on that one... Jason

Hey, I was wondering if you guys / gals could suggest some good books on mainly Tsuba (or tsuba/nihonto). I can only read English... I guess I'd be best served by something that will help educate me in respect of what to look for in quality pieces etc as I am looking to colllect some Tsuba. Not heaps but I'd like a small number to go with my swords. Something which goes into the various schools and traits perhaps.... I have a small number of books they are: 1. Arms & Armour of Old Japan (Victoria and Albert Museum) 2.The Way of the Samurai by Richard Storry and Werner Forman 3. The Japanese Sword a comprehensive guide by Kanzan Sato 4. The Samurai Sword A hand book by John Yumoto Suggestions much appreciated... Jason

I guess the reason I'm looking at auction sites and other internet outlets such as forums like this is because in New Zealand we don't have much if any shows for Nihonto and Tsuba and other sword accessories (to my knowledge). If I'm lucky there might be 2 militaria auctions a year near me, and they might have a max of 5 Japanese swords and perhaps as many accessories at each... Jason

I decided to save my money and gave this one a miss. Jason

The one up to no good.... perhaps one who holds "private auctions" I can't see evidence of shilling in the history of 2 of them who do not run "private" auctions... Jason

Thanks for your input, the points you raise are all valid, and are things I don't know to look for or am able recognise. The seller I think obtained them whilst living in the netherlands, claims to have shown them at shows etc receiving good feedback / comments and is quite adament they are edo period pieces. He did say the "gold" was worn. I have attached a closeup of the coloration......... Jason

The 1st picture included of the dragon tsuba has the following dimenions: Size: 81.1 x 85.6 x 4mm Nakago-ana: 10.5 x 31.6mm Shape: Nade gakka ('squared round') Dote mimi (Raised rim). I'm really keen on the dragon and cloud tsuba in the 1st & 2nd picture. It is Mumei. If anyone else can offer any info I'd be greatful! Jason

Sorry I might have given the wrong impression, they are each $150USD approx ($200NZD exact start bid). The 3rd and 4th ones he had have sold. I'll include pics as a matter of interest. They are also meant to be from the Edo period. One is possibly Shaomi school Jason

Was wondering if anyone has purchased from ebay seller yumi3go55 his shop is at http://shop.ebay.com/yumi3go55/m.html Are his Tsuba and other pieces legit? this person has a few thousand positive feedbacks and some apparently quite old pieces although not with any paperwork... or edoantiques http://shop.ebay.com/edoantiques/m.html or yoayoi http://shop.ebay.com/yoayoi/m.html I'm sure there are others but these 3 were the 1st few in Japan I found with a reasonable number of tsuba for sale. Or is Ebay a waste of time for tsuba? Jason

Well after the discussion on here I asked the seller outright if he would guranatee it being from the edo period..... I told a we lie and said I had a Japanese friend who owned an antique shop here and he specialises in Nihonto and tsuba, an expert even!. He pretty quickly suggested we perhaps should not do the transaction and he promptly refunded my money..... He said it may have been hamamono.... So thanks guys.... I think ya's have saved me $100 USD.... Jason

Well, thats a positive............ At least someone isn't rubbishing one of them totally straight off the bat When they arrive I will do better photos to see if that helps any... Jason

I just want to add the photos aren't great, they were taken by the seller. So if they were copies made long ago they could in fact be edo period pieces..... just not very good ones???? Jason

4 Tsuba have recently come up for sale nearby me..... I'll post pics, hoping for comments regarding authenticity..... They are supposed to be edo period. Price (bids start at and will likely sell for approx $150USD) $200NZD exact price / start bid. The pics of the 2 below are of the ones for sale I'm interested in. As a matter of interest I'll post the 2 that have sold in a later post / reply. Jason

Ok, Could they not be worn down by age? So are you saying they are modern day cast reproductions? Or do you mean copies made long ago? They were purchased out of Japan (not that that guarantees authenticity) The "nice" Japanese man says they are from the late Edo period..... If I've been had/conned I'll reverse the credit card charges and file a complaint... So it's not a big drama and I'm not offended by anyones comments or taking it the wrong way. I guess it's something many of us go thru as noobs. Now could someone please also help with the kanji.... Best I could get is "resident of yamashiro" Jason

Also purchased this one, can't make out the mei in the photo and the guy who sold it to me said that it was pretty worn and may be hard to read. I'll post a couple of pics on the off chance anyone has anything helpful they could add.... regards Jason

Hi everyone, I've been trying to research the signature or whatever has been put on a Tsuba I recently purchased.... So far I've concluded it was made in Yamashiro province Below is what it has on it, if the chap has written the characters correctly. The second is what an online translator suggested the characters may be (only one was changed which I have bold / red). I'm still waiting for it to arrive but due to it's supposed age the mei is a little hard to read. 山城國二条住　柏屋四郎左衛門 山城國二条住 柏屋四郎右衛門 I would be really greatful if anyone was able to assist with any info that can be obtained from this. I'll try post some pics, but they are not the best. I'll take clearer ones once it and another arrive. Jason

Far out, it does not seem like an overly easy or inexpensive thing to do. Sounds like a damn hassle! That's a shame as IMO shinsa in Japan should be something that is accessible (without unnecessary red tape or cost) to anyone who owns Nihonto or Tsuba, or any other related bit's and pieces that they allow to be submitted for shinsa. I feel that it would contribute to the conservation / preservation of these wonderful pieces of Japanese history which should be the most important thing, regardless of where the current owner lives... Jason

It's an auction. Starting price would be about $220 USD and I'd say it will sell for that as it's not a great market for sellers here.

I am considering purchasing.........

There are characters on the Tsuba or tho they can'y be identified from the photos provided

Any comments on the likely authticity of this wakizashi? Age unknown Mumei some twit has possibly cleaned the tang. more pics to come