beakner

OK...makes sense.... maybe - Nobu-yoshi ?

This one I thought was easy...but I believe it is ___ yoshi. Thank for the help !

Hello, Now it seems that they are earlier than I thought. They are apparently castings from an important earlier pair cast in gold...these are cast in brass or bronze & then guilded. Thank you for the imput....Beakner

I have a question. I have a tachi tsuka. It seems like good quality I'm sure it is Japanese Meiji or Gendai era with hand engraved fittings. Upon removing the rotton ito - the dragon menuki were found to be solid on the back? As the pic's show...The original ito is old , brittle & has had repairs. The ito was even worn through to the 'pads' in the high areas, so it seems to have good age, Any idea when they started making solid castings? Thanks, Beakner

Thank you very much!!

Hi, I need a little help in the translation. ....I get the first 2 & the last 2. No Shu-----Masa Saku. I appreciate it, Beakner

Hi Everyone, I took mine apart again & realized that it can be rather diffficult to tell the differance by looking at them assembled. Removing the fuchi & raising the ito a bit, it becomes apparent of the differance. The real tsuka is at the top. in pic #1. Pic #2 shows real on the left. Pic # 3 & 4 show real vs celluloid & the last pic shows a closeup of just the celluloid The celluloid is thicker & you can see trimming marks. Also, both of my celluloids are full wraps. The center one even extends to to inside the fuchi. Also...as was mentioned earlier..they do have a yellowish appearance. The nodule are fairly large & not so 'crystally' as real same'. The quickest & easiest test is to touch it to your teeth. Real same' is organic & feels like sandpaper where as celluloid feels smooth. These were my observations, Beakner

Hello, I have 2 Gunto in my collection that have celluloid same. One is 'signed' & dated ...KaneZane-1943 - the other unmarked. Both have proper matched numbered fittings. Beakner

more pic's

Hi, I picked up two tanto blades from a guy who said his dad had picked them up during WW2. My question is ...is the hamon real or faked? Both blades are similar but the hamon & mekugi holes are different. Thank you, Beakner

Thank you !, I appreciate you all sharing your knowledge!...Beakner

I was hoping someone could help translating the mei on my Soten tsuba - Thank you, Beakner

Hello Mark, I'm kind of leaning towards a showa period too. It was in Gunto mounts.. Thanks for the input...Beakner (forgive me for not posting my name originally)

Anyone have any ideas on this one....26 1/4" cutting edge, large bohi on each side with a well carved dragon horimono on each side. One is 'I believe' - Tamaoi-ryu = chasing a pearl & The other side -Mikaeri-ryu = backwards facing. The nakago has kiri shaped tang & file marks. I haven't seen 2 dragon horimono's before. Is this fairly unusual & was there several carvers that did this?

Hello, I'm having trouble with the first kanji. The second I believe is "ritsu" Help is appreciated, Beakner

Hi Mark, Yes... I liked the blade & it seemed like one that was worth trying to save. Thanks, Beakner

Hello everyone, Help needed on this blade Mei. As always....much appreciation for your help!... Beakner

Thanks Maicolm, It looked like same...but some nodules are very large which made me wonder. Thanks for the reply...Beakner

Hello, I was wondering what type of skin was used on this saya? Thanks, Beakner

Thank you very much!! Very interesting!!!

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone can help translating a print I've had for many years. I've been curious about the artist & era it was done in. Much appreciation, Beakner

Hi, Looks like a U.S. Model 1872 saber to me. I'll include a pic of mine....Beakner

Thank you!!!!, Beakner

Hi, Could you help with the translation on this Wak? Thanks, Beakner

Many thanks, Alan