hddennis

Just acquired an odd mix of oriental items and would like some advice and help to find out what I have. I posted on another board and no responses. Anyone know about snuff bottles? Does this bottle have any age and what does the signature says? Thanks for any help. Howard Dennis

So this just says the design is patented? Also any idea what the logo signifies? It is similar to but not identical to the Amita company logo who made Komai products for a time. Thanks for your help, much appreciated. Howard Dennis

Was showing my latest Komai to friends last night and suddenly noticed this signature inside the powder compartment of a Komai compact I've had for years but never opened the compartment before. Can anyone translate it for me Please? Thanks, Howard Dennis

Baka Gaijin, Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out with this. I really love when I can get an artist's name and info when I add a piece to my collection. This one was a good buy but looked like it might have had some corrosion issues. I was pleasantly surprised to find it had been coated with clear lacquer to try to make it look shinier. A little lacquer thinner and some polish and it looks almost new with no corrosion nor loss of patina and thanks to you I also know who made it. Howard Dennis

Just acquired this Komai cigarette case and can't find the signature in any online sources. Is it an actual Japanese signature or is it an artist's seal? Thanks, Howard Dennis

Just happened to notice that my friends sword is now listed on eBay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/SCARCE-WW2-WWII-Japanese-KATANA-SWORD-IN-SHIRA-SAYA-SIGNED-DATED-1945/114697699052?hash=item1ab483feec:g:UUcAAOSwLf9gMEhF Howard Dennis

Thanks Shugyosha, I see it now and I believe the other one as well. Looks like both mid last century, guess I'll leave them where they are. Really appreciate the help guys. Howard Dennis

Thanks Shugyosha, Sounds like that might be a very new mark, any idea where I might find out when either mark was used? Howard Dennis

Thanks Bugyotsuji, Tried this on Google and it didn't seem to work for me? Howard Dennis

Found 2 Satsuma vases today and wonder what the marks represent and age if possible? Thanks for any help you can give, Howard Dennis

Adam, all I can tell you is he says there are no stamps and blade is in what appears to be it's original shirasaya. He and I were curious as to why a blade made in 1945 would not have gone straight to Gunto mounts. Here's photos he sent in initial inquiry.

Thanks Guys, appreciate the help and because of it I was able to find this: Howard Dennis

Good friend asked me for help on translation of the mei on a katana he just acquired so I thought I'd ask for help here as it is not my strong suit. Thanks in advance for any assistance, Howard Dennis

Uwe, I just wrote a PM and it says you cannot receive messages?? Howard Dennis

Uwe, what a great Christmas gift your extra effort has given me, Thank You. A lot of the many Japanese items I collect leave me wondering many unanswered questions. Thanks to you I know pretty much all there is to know about this piece and that's a pretty great feeling! Just another question Please. What are your thoughts on restoration of this piece? Yes , No, Outrageously expensive? hard to find a proper restorer? Or just enjoy it as is. Happy Holidays to you and yours, Howard Dennis

uwe, thank you so much, what more is available? Howard Dennis

I posted pictures of my Mempo on a recent post about my kabuto but no one commented on it so I thought I'd try again. I'd appreciate learning anything about this such as age, style name and school if known. Thanks for your help. Happy Holidays. Howard Dennis

It's been years since I read anything on Japanese swords but if memory serves me correctly doesn't the Nanban Tetsu refer to the sword being made with non-traditional steel? Howard Dennis

It's on a militaria website, just says Japanese officers Gunto. Howard Dennis

Viewing a sword online and would like to know what the signature says Please. Thanks for your help, Howard Dennis

Appreciate that Uwe, While I have your ear could you recommend a book that I might purchase that would discuss these terms as well as more information on the different schools? Howard Dennis

Uwe, if I read this correctly each plate is curved both side to side as well as top to bottom? Howard Dennis

Thanks, try as I might I can not find the meaning of taka-niku. Please elaborate for my further understanding. Thank You. Howard Dennis

Luc T, You have made me glad I resisted thoughts of selling this over the years that I have enjoyed displaying it in my home. Now I can enjoy it even more and further research it. Any idea why I have never been able to find another example with 56 plates? Howard Dennis