murphda2

Very good Pete. According to Fuller and Gregory, this particular koshirae was not introduced until 1933-34. Murph

I contacted the seller asking about his story, and he confirmed that the blade was taken during WW I, and that his great-great-grandfather took it off of a soldier he had killed. I thought it was rather interesting that he had taken the sword during WW I. According to my high school history books, Japan played a very minor role in WW I as part of the Allied Powers. This would mean that an American soldier, which captured a sword which had not been invented yet, committed fratricide. Murph

Another priceless treasure for your considerations http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Samurai-Swo ... dZViewItem Murph

I have contacted Lohman in the past, and have since purchased a blade which was polished by his company. When I first contacted him, I called interested in paying good money for a service, and he acted as though he didn't have time for a five minute conversation. His solution was simply for me to get on his web site, look up his address, and ship the blade to him. Call me "old fashioned" or even just too skeptical of the average human being's intentions, but when I'm discussing handing over hard earned money, I want five minutes of your time in order to be comfortable with the transaction. Murph

Could someone provide me with the information to a few of these polishers? I would love to have my Gunto wakizashi polished. Murph

Correction, almost identical !!!

Very Interesting menuki. An identical set sold on ebay a few weeks ago. Murph

As I previously stated, my first experience with him was not the best, but I accept full responsibilty. Had I paid closer attentionto the details, I most likey would not have purchased the piece. It was a learning experience that taught me well. I have seen many beautifull blades in his auctions. I'm watching a couple of them now and hope to win at least one of them. Murph

Over the past few months I have watched several of this seller's items. I purchased a blade a month or so ago from him and was very disappointed when I received the item. Kind of heart broken in fact, till I re-examined this listing and determined that my disappointment was due to my IGNORANCE. The seller had apropriately represented the blade for what it was, but I had not fully examined the details. A lesson learned!!! Thankfully, not an expensive lesson. The seller, in my inexperienced opinion seems to offer some really nice looking blades. Have any of you had any dealings with "historian333"? Murph

How would the fact that a blade is bent effect its value? Murph

Does anyone have opinions to offer of the pics? Murph

Miraculously as it may seem, I came across another Ido Hidetoshi blade today. I have owned my wakizashi for almost ten years, and until today have never seen nor heard of another blade made by him. The katana that I had the priviledge of viewing today had a couple of flaws. First and foremost, there was a slight "S" curvature in the spine of the blade. Secondly there was also a slight curvature in the nakago. I was very interested in the blade due to the fact that it was almost exact geometry of my wakizashi. The signature was exact as well with the addition of an early "Showa" stamp. Is it possible for an individual to have a blade repaired with such a curvature? If so, what would one expect to pay to have this repair made? How would it effect the value of the blade if I were to be interested in attempting to purchase it? My main interest in the blade is to purchase a match to my wakizashi, if the individual were inclined to sell the blade, but..... I do not want to loose my shirt in the deal nor take on a blade that could never be properly repaired. Any and all knowledgeable opinions would be greatly appreciated. Murph

Does anyone have opinions to offer of the photos? Murph

Here is a link to my photo page thst I hsve loaded the pics to. http://community.webshots.com/album/560423651nlSrke Murph

The photos I currently have are fairly large files. I have loaded the pics to a photo site and posting a link where they may be viewed. The signature may turn out to be false, my level of knowledge can not support guaranteeing it original. I do believe the blade is water quenched though. http://community.webshots.com/album/560425779DTnfjD Murph