Alex A

Maybe wrong, dunno, but looking at what you point out sent me off on a personal debate as to whether its possibly cast?. Just something about it, the way the waves are not crisply carved. Folks will know better than me.

Seems they have and will upset many a newbie. Ive had 2 buying experiences with them, the first ok, the 2nd not so ok. As you say , you live and learn. Spoke to one guy on the phone about a sword i was interested in. The pictures were bad so i asked him to get it out and check for flaws. His exact words on the phone with sword in hand were "its flawless". It turned up with an opening, an obvious one. Anyways, that was then, we have all done daft stuff as beginners. Thinking about it, does show how ruthless dealers can be to make a sale and keep the wheels of cashflow turning.

Was thinking of stating "air tag attached" on last package, i didn't but it was just a thought. Seems a lot of bad news lately with USPS, would a better choice for you guys be UPS?

Seen 2 described as "Christian" here, make of them what you will. The Lanes Armoury | A Stunning Edo Period Tettsu {iron Plate} Krishitan {Christian.} Tsuba, Of The Holy Cross, Heavenly Eight Pointed Stars in Gold, & The River Of Life in Silver. In Superb Condition & From A Very Fine Collection of Tsuba. The Lanes Armoury | An Edo Tettsu Krishitan {Christian} Tsuba Of Twin Symbols of The Rope And The Cross. In Superb Condition & Traditionally Boxed For Display. From A Very Fine Collection Of Beautiful Antique Tsuba

I have noticed that they have branched off over recent years, apart from militaria, other stuff like ancient relics, jewelry etc. Some of those write-ups no doubt will raise some eyebrows. As a dealer and descriptions. Wonder if they sell some stuff on commission and just accept descriptions from sellers without doing the research. They are not the only ones that have descriptions that come with lots of questions. Seems to be a tactic for all types of dealers in antique and militaria stuff, though no other comes close, by a long way. The ideal customer needs to be ignorant, and there is no shortage. Its bad though, to sell so confidently with puzzling attributions. Did see an Omori style Fuchi on a sword several years ago and it was far better than this tsuba. Could have been Omori, though it had a fake signature "Teruhide", though it was beautiful and convincing.

Hi Brian There's no comparison in the quality of carving of the waves between those 2 tsuba. Would love to know what makes them so confident with the description. Otherwise would have expected something like "in the style of" Would be expecting those guys to have a £2500 price tag for a genuine Omori wave tsuba

A bold claim, along with the statement regarding a similar Tsuba in the Boston museum. "A closely related shibuichi tsuba with waves {omitting the crane and turtle} by Omori Teruhide is in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 11.5454." The tsuba. The Lanes Armoury | A Beautiful Omori School Tsuba Turbulant Sea With Crashing Waves and A Crane Swooping Over Turtle Below.. Edo Period Boston tsuba.....Tsuba with design of waves and spray – Results – Advanced Search Objects – Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (mfa.org)

I think maybe someone from the Museum has led a rather sheltered life on the subject, judging from statements like this. "Who could have imagined that at a time when Japan was isolated and hardly any European travelers came to the country, such a long-used and richly decorated weapon would end up here in Berlin?" Matthias Wemhoff, state archaeologist of Berlin and director of the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, said in the statement.

That's a great idea Mark

I dont know. In the past i have used fine/very fine grit sandpaper to remove stains and cello tape marks from shirasaya Tape marks seem very common, some folks are unawares of the stains they cause. Anyways, if you go this route you need to be ultra careful nothing goes into the shirasaya, Again, carefully does it, vacuum as you go.

They should be left untreated. If it were me i would remove the finish from the rest of the shirasaya

Provide as much info as possible for customs. That includes any invoices, descriptions, dealer details, contact details etc etc. Provide your details, your age etc. The reason you are importing it, as in private collector of antiques. For a smooth import, dont leave any questions unanswered for customs. Declare full value Cheers

The Japanese dealer could have used UPS, as far as im aware at the moment. Sending them described as wall hangers is a stupid idea. Loads of advice on this forum. Still a mystery to me why folks go about it assways then wonder why it all goes **** up. The dealer should know better. See if can use UPS and label correctly with correct tariff code

What Thomas said. Think Aoi have bigger issues to worry about. Just feels like one big hassle and worry importing and exporting swords. Certainly outweighing the ownership, for me. I buy my last one, then thats it. Sadly

Agree with Kiril, as in subjective Also, learned what anyone thinks here often gets turned on its head over the years and has little effect on what others may think. Just too many variables. Debating such issues now feels a bit pointless. Someone thinking they know it all, well, thats up to them.

One word pictures

Express gun oil. Been using it many years without an issue.

I know you are always saying we shouldn't judge blades from images, but i cant help but suggest that this is clearly core steel, a good example. Now if someone told me they saw something in core steel that seems out of the ordinary id be asking myself why. Not really thought much about it and only speculating, as don't know. Though odd conversations and seeing and reading stuff online about modern sword production and the re-use and re-temper of stuff left hanging around in workshops, kind of leads me to believe that anything is possible. As said, i don't know and this is only a suggestion, though blades that show core steel really don't appeal to me. Its back to that putting stuff in boxes scenario, who knows what one may come across with regards polished core steel in certain blades.

Interesting reading, will always end in the clashing of horns, so to speak A simple way to look at it. A sword is only worth what someone ignorant or uneducated is willing to pay. Stick within your realms,

In light of the above and what i stated about UPS. My recent experience with shipping a blade/weapon with UPS. Not a wakizashi, but a WW2 Fairbairn Sykes commando dagger from UK to USA. I just want to make the point that shipping legal to own blades out of the UK has not ground to an halt just yet. An awkward item to describe really, Japanese swords much easier. Obviously could not be described as "antique" or "art". Hence described it as what it is, "WW2 Fairbairn Sykes collectable/souvenir" with tariff code to match. I'm sure if a WW2 weapon can be shipped via UPS, then an antique sword/ art sword should be no problem. I know they have brought a number of swords into the UK recently, as mentioned. Booked online through the UPS choices site, printed the shipping label and 3 invoices for customs, which they require. Boxed in cardboard tube. UPS turned up on the date stated and within the time stated, from my home. One thing i didn't like is they never sent a confirmation email, i was kind of wondering whether id booked it correctly. All went well, i did get a question from UPS clearance asking me a question. They emailed me asking "do you require a licence to ship this item?", i simply replied no, the item is fully legal to own in the UK and USA without a licence. Ten minutes later a reply to say thanks for the info, the knife then passed through UPS customs. Posted Tues, arrived today. The total price was £34 which included £500 of cover. For £1500 worth of cover, i think it was £15 extra but you had to drop it at a UPS depot, which i did not have time for. The knife was expensive, i took the risk. Fully tracked. See tracking below. The knife now belongs to an X sergeant of the US marines, gone to a good home. Left this here just in case some folks think blades cant be shipped from UK 20/09/2024 13:05Delivered DELIVERED JACKSONVILLE, FL, US 20/09/2024 9:17Out for Delivery Out For Delivery Today Jacksonville, FL, United States 20/09/2024 8:22On the Way Processing at UPS Facility Jacksonville, FL, United States 20/09/2024 7:27Arrived at Facility Jacksonville, FL, United States 20/09/2024 6:49Departed from Facility Jacksonville, FL, United States 20/09/2024 6:23Arrived at Facility Jacksonville, FL, United States 20/09/2024 4:47Departed from Facility Louisville, KY, United States 20/09/2024 1:14Import Scan Louisville, KY, United States 19/09/2024 11:32Arrived at Facility Louisville, KY, United States 19/09/2024 10:25Departed from Facility Philadelphia, PA, United States 19/09/2024 6:14Arrived at Facility Philadelphia, PA, United States 19/09/2024 1:44Cleared Import Customs Your parcel has cleared customs and is on the way. 19/09/2024 3:50Departed from Facility Castle Donington, United Kingdom 18/09/2024 20:12Export Scan Castle Donington, United Kingdom 18/09/2024 14:25Your parcel is on the way 18/09/2024 14:25UPS has received the information needed to submit your parcel for clearance. 17/09/2024 22:44Export Scan Castle Donington, United Kingdom 17/09/2024 17:21The package is at the clearing agency awaiting final release. 17/09/2024 21:09Arrived at Facility Castle Donington, United Kingdom 17/09/2024 19:48Your parcel is on the way 17/09/2024 19:48UPS initiated contact with the sender to obtain clearance information. Once received, UPS will submit for clearance. Castle Donington, United Kingdom 17/09/2024 19:24Departed from Facility Manchester, United Kingdom 17/09/2024 19:06Arrived at Facility Manchester, United Kingdom 17/09/2024 17:30We Have Your Parcel Collection Scan Manchester, United Kingdom 13/09/2024 17:07Label Created Shipper created a label, UPS has not received the package yet. United Kingdom

Try UPS, List of Prohibited Items for Shipping | UPS - United Kingdom "Bladed products: It is forbidden to sell and deliver bladed products at a UK residential address without verifying that the recipients are over 18 years of age. Shipment should be made with the Adult Signature Required service available upon booking of the shipment with UPS." They only mention blades and 18 year olds in UK. Know of 3 swords imported into UK recently via UPS, one from a private seller. So in that case its a mystery why they wouldn't accept one for export. Its up to the exporter to contact them and ask. Not by stating "i want to ship a sword" but with correct terminology and tariff number. Lots here about that, not going over it all again. In fact, i would just book it through their online customer member website, but that's me. Not saying you should!. As mentioned numerous times, they have their own customs that deal with items. No one is breaking any law, assuming the blade is legai to own in UK, as in Antique, traditionally forged artwork. Stay away from Parcelforce, they have their own rules.

Just called in for an update. Heard UPS delivered shinsakuto tanto from Tokyo with no issues. I was told beware UPS giving confirmation dates of delivery before customs clearance. He booked a days hol to receive shipment at home but no show. CHECK "OUT FOR DELIVERY" in tracking. Secondly, forget parcelforce, see last email below. Dear Alex, I am sorry for the delay in replying but we have only just received a reply.............................. We have double checked with everyone again for you and I am sorry but they have said No we are sorry but we don't permit any bladed items including antique swords for Import, Export , or on any of Inland services they are all prohibited. Kind regards Executive Customer Service Team Parcelforce Worldwide CEO Office Lastly, all info to importers can be found on this website. Get it wrong and expect hassle.

Exactly Colin.

As said, wrote to them explaining that their email included "antique swords" but it was not on any of their websites? Reply below. Dear Alex , Ok thank you for the update . Kind regards Executive Customer Experience Team Parcelforce Worldwide CEO Office

No worries Paris. I'm still interested to hear about the shipwreck?