Kotetsu1959

Don’t we have enough in this world to be angry about without pulling a hair trigger here to blast someone based on the assumption of a mean spirit? One of the most destructive aspects of our hobby is that some dealers take advantage of those who are less sophisticated. I applaud Dee for making people aware that caution must be exercised as we evaluate what the market presents to us. It would be helpful if we all were more cautious about blasting one another without very careful consideration of the reason. Here it is clear that Dee’s focus was on the sword, and what was being presented about the sword. The shift into a personal attack was wrong. I respectfully suggest an apology is in order.

The resolution limitations of our host blur the distinctions somewhat, but side by side the differences stand out. Unethical sellers will of course resort to placing artificial wear as a means of blurring the distinguishing aspects. As with swords, seeing examples side by side makes the differences stand out more. For all but the most dedicated purists it is difficult to justify the disparity in price between the best reproductions and genuine examples.

Authentic general's grade tassels

Reproduction general grade tassels.

Hello Paul, Here are two examples from John Plimpton's collection. John was as knowledgable a guy when it comes to sword tassels and knots as anyone I have encountered. The example on the left is an authentic, box and wrapper, general's tassel. On the right is the best of the four fake general's tassels that John acquired. What tends to stand out most on fakes is how garish the zig-zag stitch is, and how every aspect is a little more course and clunky. Real general's tassels are thin and elegant in the strap, not thick. The fine weave is crisp. While the straps may have bends from folding, they do not have an uneven waviness that is characteristic of lower skill in the manufacturing process. Look at the slides on these two examples. Again, the fake is course and clunky. The authentic example is tight and precise, from the thread itself to the skill shown in weaving. Reading about Navajo textiles, and how to evaluate different materials, periods and methods of construction, will help you understand how much the fine details can show you. Compare the "berries" and again you will see a coarseness and looseness in the later copy that is not present in the original. As John observed years ago, the fakes are getting better. As we try to inform those interested in this esoteric subject, we inform those trying to make a dishonest buck off of us. The slide in the example posted by Paul appears amateurish to my eye. There is a waviness in the strap that is also a little sloppy. The overall look of the tassel is thick and stiff compared to authentic examples. I don't believe the tassel is genuine. I will see if I can post a few more for comparison's sake. And let me add what happy surprise it is to find a sophisticated young lady joining the thread. You see a similar shift in demographics happening in Japan, and it is wonderful. Respectfully, Ray

Thank you for the notice James. That is sad news. Dale was a passionate man (swords and politics), who nobly served his country. I was happy to get some of the wonderful gendaito that he didn't have room for in his two huge chests or elsewhere, and always happy to see him. His loss is a loss for all of us who share this interest. God bless Dale!

Hi Nicholas, That is an exceptional sword. I have been looking for years to find one. They are scarce. Pictured is a tanto purchased from the estate of Dr. Herman Wallinga. I was told by the late, and much respected, Professor Arnold Frenzel that the diagonal file marks on the mune-machi indicate a piece was forged by Hideaki himself, as opposed to one of his assistants. If you have time, I would appreciate your posting a picture of the mune-machi on your sword. And thank you for the pictures you have already posted of your wonderful find!

The seppa have no markings. The only other markings I see on the sword may be a surrender inventory number on the guard, possibly “54.” The yasurime and precise shape of the sword are impressive to me. The fittings also show fine hand tooling. Although it was not cheap, I am very pleased with the sword. It is the only naval mounted Mantetsu I have seen. John Plimpton offered to sell me one of the Mantetsu gift tachi at the SF show back in the day. I am sad to say I failed to realize it was a bargain at $3,200.

Yes Bruce, It is that naval mounted sword, with a mon as well. The saya wrap is tattered, but the mounts are complete and of high quality. I tried to post some more pictures but will need to reduce the size.

The blade shows a distinct hada.

Here is an early “B” series Mantetsu. The sword also bears the stamp, and is in Kyu-gunto mounts.