hddennis

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

Luc T, thank you so much for replying. Could you please elaborate on your opinion on my kabuto? I would love your thoughts as to age and what terms should I research to find out more about maker. Sorry I didn't reply right away. Can anyone tell me why I'm not getting notifications on responses like I used to? Howard Dennis

Bugyotsuji, I found it, didn't realize I'd had this for so long. Time flies when you are having fun. Howard Dennis

Bugyotsuji, I'm trying to find where I got that information and will post it if I can find it again but the thought was the same as yours seemed to be inscribed rather than chiseled and Dremel was suggested. Meanwhile any thoughts on the menpo as to age, Etc.? Howard Dennis

Although it has nothing to do with the kabuto this menpo came with it at the time of purchase and I was glad seller didn't feel package was worth much. Howard Dennis

Bugyotsuji and Uwe, Thanks for your responses. The pictures I posted were taken when I first received this and the liner has since been glued back in. I found several more and hope they help but if not I will have to try to remove the liner again. I didn't post these because I was told the "signature" appeared to be a modern addition added to fool someone into thinking it was worth more. Howard Dennis

First, let me commend the people on here who have recently helped me out with so much information about items in my collection allowing me to enjoy and appreciate them so much more. I can't tell you how many times I've posted to other sites and gotten misleading information or no response at all. I've had this kabuto for a number of years and never knew much about it. It was purchased online from a Japanese seller and unfortunately when it arrived it appears to have been repainted in the recent past. I had hoped modern chemicals could remove that and reveal the original finish but apparently urushi was used as nothing touches this new finish so I guess I have to live with it as is. Can anyone tell me anything about what this style is called and approximate age? It has 56 Plates a number I have been unable to find other examples of. Do the 4 small lacing spots with tiny metal spikes above them signify anything? What does the mons represent? Thanks for any help you can give me, Howard Dennis

Gentlemen, Thanks so much for you very informative responses. I'll have a fun time researching each one adding to my knowledge and appreciation of my newest addition. Howard Dennis