Grey Doffin

Hi Roland, There are no listings in my "Index of Japanese Sword Literature" for any Teruhisa. The smith might have to remain unknown. It doesn't look like a Showato/Gunto nakago and mei. Soshu Ju Minamoto Teruhisa Kore wo Saku. Grey

Hi guys, Here is a link to the Met's website and a page that explains which objects will be rotated in and out of the show and the dates of rotation. http://www.metmuseum.org/special/samurai_armor/images.asp Grey

The one exception to the rule that I know of is in the English "Token Bijutsu" #55 by NBTHK. The 2nd fold out oshigata is a Nanki Shigekuni katana: "The nakago is suriage with a kiri end." This sword is Tokubetsu Juyo. There is another suriage Shigekuni katana in issue #32 that is Juyo Bijutsuhin, but that is a government ranking, not one from the NBTHK.

I can't be sure but I think we're seeing an amateur polish. Grey

It is my understanding that, with only a very few exceptions, a sword made later than Nambokucho can not pass Juyo shinsa if it isn't ubu. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken. Grey

The Kanji are: 長　光　作, Nagamitsu Saku. Grey

The blade isn't in contact with the concrete floor; it is propped on a marshmallow. Didn't the Honami do that also? Grey

From what I can see (not much), there is no reason not to send this to Bob for his appraisal and possible polish. Perhaps if you posted a picture of the mei someone could tell you more. Grey

Your sword was made in hurry, most likely very recently in China. Grey

Why did the punk rocker cross the road? Grey

Phil, Make sure there is a mekugi (bamboo pin) through the hole in the handle. Without the mekugi the blade can slide down inside the scabbard and shatter its point. Grey

Hello, You'll find a care and etiquette brochure on the NBTHK American Branch website http://www.nbthk-ab.org/Etiquette.htm I think we should have pictures before guessing about value. Grey

Glad to help. Grey

Hi Bob, You're right; the pictures aren't easy to work from. Looks like it might be a real Japanese sword (not a fake), but not in the best condition. The green paint on the saya and red on the tsuba don't belong (someone trying for an X-mas theme?), and there appears to be quite a bit of rust pitting on the blade. It would help if we could see better pics and a couple of the nakago. Maybe someone else can tell you more from these pics. Grey

Hi Rob, What you see is what is called in the West (don't know the Japanese term), tsuba ware. This is where a tsuba sat for a long time and wore a rut in the nakago. Grey

Masayasu Grey

Hi Klaus, No shame; just a learning experience. Grey

I believe this is a rare tanto from the Chinese fake period. Grey

Klaus, Showa Ju Shichi Nen. 1942. Grey

Hi Ted, The lady I spoke with, Naomi Takafuchi, said something that gave me the impression that it would be cloth items that would be rotated (to cut down on light exposure maybe?) and not the blades, koshirae, and kodogu. If this is so I don't know where this leaves armor, which is half iron and half cloth and leather. Sorry, this is all the information I have. Grey

Hi guys, I've spoken with someone in the communications department at The Met; I'm writing a notice for the JSS/US Newsletter. She tells me that item #3: 3. Yoroi armor with red-leather lacing Heian period, 12th century Iron, copper, gold, leather, and silk H. of helmet bowl, 12.6 cm (5 in.); H. of neck guard, 27 cm (10⅝ in.); H. of cuirass 37 cm (14⅝ in.); H. of skirt, 24.5 cm (9⅝ in.) Okayama Prefectural Museum National Treasure "can only be exhibited for 2 wks, every 5 years. And this piece will be on view at the Met during the first 2 wks." Nice that they let us in The States have the 2 weeks this time around. If you want to see this set of armor you have to be there by Nov. 8th. I will be there either the 6th or the 7th (lucky me). She also says that the 34 National Treasures in the show are more than twice as many Kokuho as have ever before been allowed out of Japan for a show. If there is any way at all you can make it, whatever it takes, you don't want to miss this one. Grey

Yes, definitely Shinryo. I find only 4 character signatures (Dohi Shinryo) in my references. If this signature is 2 character it may be gimei. Grey

This smith isn't included in any of the 60 or so references in my "Index of Japanese Sword Literature". Not likely you'll be able to learn much about the man. Grey

You could also try John Tirado or Brian tschernega, if you can find contact information; I bet at least one of them can do this and would do a great job. Do not try to fix the cracks yourself with glue and clamps; leave it to the pros. In the mean time here's a temp repair that will do no damage. Wrap a strip of paper around the top of the saya and then tightly wrap the paper with tape. Masking tape works well for this. The paper will keep all adhesive away from the lacquer. Grey

Stefan, My recommendation would be to let the Sadamune alone; enjoy it for what it is and learn what you can from it. Rather than spend a bunch of money on having a saya and tsuka made and acquiring other parts and paying to have them put together, and ending up with something that, while nice to look at, has no historical relevance to the sword, and costs much more than you could ever hope to regain, I would expend $s and energy elsewhere. If you want koshirae, you could make your next purchase a sword with koshirae, or you could purchase an older set of koshirae without a blade, which often sell for less than would the constituent parts if separated and sold individually. Of all your options, what you're proposing probably makes the least economic sense. At least that's my take. Grey