Alex A

Naomitsu (Kajihei) was the most famous forger, same line of smiths

Briefly looked at the Aoi sales page, the flaw does not stand out like it does in your pic, sunlight maybe? Signed and dated, Tokubetsu Hozen. Id leave alone, but see what the polisher has to say.

Hi ? If you read Rice crackers restoration info it says they use a variety of levels of polishers. Whether or not they use polishers from the US, I don't know. Someone else will hopefully chime in, but from memory there are only a few, the name Bob Benson springs up occasionally. Japan route can take a long time and be expensive, I suppose that goes for the experienced and few US guys too. On a few occasions ive been surprised at what an experienced polisher can IMPROVE, be interesting to hear what they have to say Remember, there are long waiting times for the top guys and they don't come cheap. No doubt you will eventually ask yourself, is it worth it?, or perhaps that's what the polisher will point out to you, as regards risk. Ps, is this the blade from the other thread?, just to make sure https://www.aoijapan.net/katana-bizen-koku-osafune-kiyomitsueiroku-jyuni-nen-hachigatsuhi/

You would need speak to a polisher about improving it, although im ASSUMING a polisher will tell you that all the blade must be polished too, which wont be cheap. Id leave it.

Hi, not a fatal flaw, https://www.japaneseswordindex.com/kizu.htm

Aye, must be tarnish/lighting, always difficult from pics. Also assuming its a later sword.

Anyone else see Hitatsura?

Hi Curran, I hate buying anything these days unless there is peace of mind. Whilst the buyer of the tsuba above may be dazzled for a month or two with its beauty, sooner or later that crack will stick out like a sore thumb, would for me anyway. The price would have to be rock bottom, for me. It is beautiful though, a pity.

Wouldn't bother me until it was time to sell, then other folk bothering would bother me.

What Ray said, any doubt whatsoever about a sword, then don't buy it.

These really shouldn't fool anyone serious about the hobby. Just looking over the feedback, he got a good price for this one. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japanese-Samurai-Sword-Ken-/292446327785?nma=true&si=NppRfiIq2FCLRIIx5pu6AdS1wJY%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Hi Jeremiah, just a few thoughts. Selling paves the way for new buying experiences. In ten years ive only picked up three items that I think of as "keepers". I have sold stuff that I miss, but have no regrets, it was necessary at that time. The fun part of this hobby for me is in the searching and learning about items, rather than the ownership. I guess most of us are limited to what we can spend on this hobby and cant go on indefinitely without something having to go. Its not just buying more Nihonto, you don't know whats around the corner with one thing and another, so good to know it pays back should it need to.

Good idea, I would only want to see info relevant to the item, no need for prices and talk of bargains. Difficult enough selling stuff (for a fair price) without folk waving past sales pages in your face and saying "look at this". I sometimes let stuff go cheap in order to move on, don't need a constant reminder.

Thanks all for your comments. Good news, the tsuba was delivered in Australia to the buyer on the 16th April As for Royal mail tracking, no updates other than "Your item, posted on 28/03/18 was delivered in SOUTH NORWOOD PDO on 29/03/18." ​Australian tracking still states "pending, no updates yet" All in all, a bit of a mess with the tracking and the staff at the post enquiries were not much use either, but at least it turned up safe. As mentioned in another recent thread, we do have a responsibility in looking after these antiques. I would have been very disappointed to have lost one. Thanks again to the buyer for his patience. ​

Thanks Peter, 28th March posted, 29th Norwood UK, then nothing apart from the pending on the Australian site. I didn't know updates can take that long to Australia, would think the 2 ladies ive spoke to so far would have mentioned that. I will install the app, Cheers

Bear

Thanks Gents, I put the shipping no into Australian tracking and it says "pending/ no updates yet". I put the correct address with the correct postcode. Your right Jim, it did go by way of Norwood UK. Ive just spoke to a lady down at complaints, she said Norwood PDO is the stop before the airport. She could not tell me where abouts it is but said give it some time, as she thinks there may be an error with the tracking and it may well be on its way to Australia. She also said that its not officially lost for 21 days, so in that time it may get there or hopefully be returned. Dave, if lost then I hope they pay out. Ive provided them with enough evidence, receipts and stuff. We will see, hopefully all will get sorted. Something I will bare in mind in the future. Cheers.

Ive not tried that Peter, will do it later today, thanks.

Cheers John and Greg. Cant believe they did this, absolute muppets. I will get onto complaints later, see what they can do. I suppose ive been taking it for granted that tracked is a reliable option, this will serve as a reminder. Buyers beware. Im NOT talking about this particular sale now and im guilty of this myself. When asking sellers to cut costs with shipping and assuming all will be well, remember one day that you might regret that decision.

Hi Ken, yes, but not for the full amount. On lower value items I don't usually go full value, folk don't usually want to pay it and most ask for the cheaper option. Usually I would ask the buyer, this time ive gone autopilot and not asked. I was given 2 options by the desk guy for delivery, things are always changing down there, A Tracked in UK, not Australia, but signed for. B Tracked in UK and Australia (went for this) Buyer will get full refund, I will get some insurance plus shipping costs. Hoping it will turn up, will call them again later. Unusual, first time in many years of shipping stuff abroad that this as happened with a tracked service, obviously will be more careful in future.

Sold the Katchushi tsuba a short while ago, and shipped it off to Australia, clearly labelled with the address and return address. I sent tracked, all the way. The one and only visible note on the tracking states "delivered at SOUTH NORWOOD PDO". ​I calls the post office yesterday to find out whats going on ? ​A lady replied "Errrrr, not sure where it is". ​She added "There could be an error and its still on its way to Australia OR its lost in Norwood (UK), either at the post office OR been delivered to a Norwood UK address, really sorry about this, really sorry, very unusual" ​I said "you don't actually know where its been delivered????????????????" ​"No sorry, you will have to go down to the post office for a Pwhatever form , we cant do any more about it until we we get the form back with all the details , realy sorry, sorry" Ive never lost a TRACKED parcel before.

Thanks John, appreciated. Good luck with the Shinsa.

A good amount of info available for 1st and 2nd, but cant find anything on 3rd and 4th. Both signed Shinano No Daijo Fujiwara Tadakuni. Bit of a long shot and don't like to mither, but if anyone has verified examples of the mei for 3rd and 4th, I would be very grateful. Pm me if you prefer. Thanks.

I don't use microfiber, read its abrasive. (some time ago) I buy lint free 100% cotton rags of ebay, cheap, just throw it away when its ran its coarse. Used use old white tshirts, but none left lol

Just a thought, could it represent a lock plate, not lock or something common on old Japanese chests. Found this, long shot, but just a thought and likely not much help And with an edit after a few minutes, im just thinking the tsuba may just be symbolic, as in not an actual lock, but representing a lock = faith, commitment in something..... whatever. Christianity?, I don't know. Forget the chest fittings, might be over thinking it, lol