Uechi

In case anybody doesn't know they charge a significant buyer's premium and in order to register you almost have to give them your first born.Deep pockets indeed.

That's not a sunflower it is a Chrysanthemum symbol. In any event, it looks like the habaki was pounded to make it fit. 19K really? This is the kind of thing you would have to see in person and know what you are looking for, Anybody that would pay anything without verification would be crazy.Very poor looking workmanship on the mei and the chrysanthemum.

Very nice work.

Couldn't disagree more with"...unsigned blades should not be regarded quite as high as signed blades" In my opinion, that is totally fallacious unless you are referring to peoples propensity to buy blades that are signed for eventual resale value. There are myriads of unsigned blades that are Juyo so you can't be talking about quality.

Obviously more money then knowledge or good sense.

Lest people forget many smiths were illiterate neither reading or writing. It was not uncommon for smiths to use literate students or others to sign works. I don't have enough knowledge or information but it wouldn't surprise me to have nihonto signed in the smith's name by more then one individual. Lord knows how many swords have had so called "gimei signatures" removed when in fact they may be legitimate. In any event, like almost anything thing else in this world people are often more concerned with dollars. Don't see the practice of removing mei changing nor a change in shinsa requirements.

Thanks guys. I got the Omori and the Hide couldn't figure out the rest, oh wll learning curve.

Good guess I think it is a gimei too but I'll check the signature in Wakayama

Here's the image

I've slowly gotten better at at least simple kanji but this one I don't have a clue. Help would be appreciated JDromm

So exactly where do I go to get it and how do I pay?

Thank you. The best thing I have found listed on E-Bay so far as tsuba.

I like the theme of the Plum blossoms and the arrangement. I believe the metal is either copper or brass or a combination. Definetly Kinko no Iron.

Spoke to Bob Haynes, the quintessenial expert and he said the tsuba is possibly Shonai,but he thinks it is an old Umetada tsuba circa about 1650. I'll be interetsed to see if anybody else has an opinion.Also told me it was worth two to three times what I paid for it. JDromm

Bought this tsuba on E-Bay. I believe it is Shoami. Might be Shonai Shoami. I'm not knowledgeable enough to know. I'd appreciate opinions. The photo is from the seller. The actual tsuba looks better in person with an even patina and no oily appearance. JDromm

Really,sorry$5,000 not for me or anybody with more brains then money.

Yes that is Shakudo mimi

Bought on E-Bay would expect mid to late Edo

I've seen many tsuba with one Hitsu Ana either kogai or kozuka but not a lot without any holes. Is this a reflection of an older or younger generation of tsuba, hitsu ana coming later or earlier in history?. I'd be interested if anyone knows a time frame when hitsu ana became common place or the opposite when tsuba were without any if such a thing exists?

All about the metallurgical components of the metal. The temperature of the metal during forming and quenching and of course most importantly the skill of the smith coupled with luck. JDromm

If This Tsuba has been in a fire why does it still have Gold on it? The only two answers are that it wasn't in a fire or the Gold was added after the fact.Gold melts at a lower temperature then Iron.

Too late. The item was on E-Bay and the seller closed out the item. Must mean someone contacted him and offered the $'s he wanted. OH well was going to bid and poof gone.

I don't have a clue not knowledgeable enough to tell you. I assume " Saijo " means " Best " So Goto Best or Best Goto.

see attached mei

I agree with Chris some directed steam should work just fine and you won't risk warping the wood. Have fun.