Mark S.

Fuchi-kashira described as “iron tsuchimeji”. Seems rather rough (rusted) and well worn.

Tsuba was described as a “shinchu tsuba formed as a chrysanthemum, partially pierce carved and finished in gold nunomezogan”. Couldn’t really find anything similar (finish-wise) on-line. Doesn’t seem well constructed or finished?

Hi All, I have several questions regarding the koshirae that came with the Masahiro blade I recently posted about in the Nihonto section. Please excuse my ignorance and inexperience regarding these items, so my comments are coming from a gut feel. In general, the whole package feels like a mix of put together (low quality) parts and an abused saya. My biggest overall question is at what point do collectors part something like this out vs saving it ‘as is’ as a part of the blades ‘history’? The LAST thing I would want to do is someday regret not keeping it together… but if there is no point and it is too far gone or of little consequence to matter… I’ll break this up into several posts. Any comments on the individual items or the whole ‘conservancy’ issue are appreciated.

I try to not tell people how to spend (or don’t spend) their money or what should make them happy… but I might in this case…

Was Bizen mentioned in this thread?

Just tucked all the way down in a saya slot for a wakizashi along with a piece of thin wood… almost didn’t see it. Just the very tip of the ‘tang’ was visible.

Going out on a bit of a limb, but maybe later Naminohira?

I’ll take pics next to ruler in the next day or two. We are talking small… between 2” to 3” long overall. Looks to be made of yellow metal… brass? Old cutlery (knife) cut down to fit in kozuka slot makes sense? Was in an old wakizashi saya, kozuka missing and another thin piece of wood also in the slot. As was stated, it may have been fashioned to hold a now long gone kozuka in place. Thank you.

I have a thing for ginkgo related items. Really like this one.

Did you ever stare at something so long that you can’t see the forest from the trees? Of course, why didn’t that pop into my head?!?!?! Thank you! Still wondering what it was/is?

Found this hiding in the slot in a saya. It’s pretending to be a kogatana, but obviously not Japanese. I took a close up of some markings which look similar to proof marks found on European firearms. Any ideas?

All, Thank you for talking me off the edge. Still gonna have that drink though It was just so discouraging because I was looking at the ashi and starting to find classic midare-utsuri in the right light and what looks like mokume hada in the bohi, and other activity, and then turned the blade just so in the right light was like… “hey… what the $&@$&! is that!!!!” And then panic set in. I’m sure many of you have been there before. PS… and by ‘more knowledgeable’ I mentioned above, I in no way meant you gentlemen are not knowledgeable (nor did I mean any disrespect). I simply meant there are many very experienced people there who will have direct access to the blade. I trust and appreciate all of you here.

I guess I was using the term hagire to define what looks like a crack that shows up on both sides of blade. Looks like edge may have struck something hard and crack goes in both directions? Will ask more knowledge members at Chicago show. Hopefully Mr Benson or Woody will be attending as well to discuss ‘options’..

Original thread was New Blade 1 - Hojoji Masahiro So I was studying blade under bright light and came upon a heartbreaking discovery… hagire Blade was from auction so no misrepresentation from seller. I just didn’t see it. Overall still a nice looking blade from a good smith (if shoshin). Just so disappointing. About 1.5mm deep and 5mm long. Pics of both sides. I need a drink.

3 WEEKS!!!!!!!!!

Yeah… that’s the only reason I own mine.

Shi-sho

Thank you so much for the help. I really appreciate you taking the time.

Jussi, Thank you so much for your time and effort! While I am under no illusions about the Juyo level, I’m feeling much better that the mei is genuine and will at least paper which is all I can hope for.

More the merrier!

I would very much like to make this happen if only to meet another collector in the area. Thank you so much for the offer. We can touch base a little closer to the show to work the logistics.

I live local to the Chicago Show, so I’m hoping the Shinsa that was postponed for this year will happen as planned in 2023. I have several items and can save the shipping and handling fees. If it is not too much trouble, you have no idea how much I would appreciate the mei references. Of course if for some reason you can’t, I completely understand. Thank you!

So as I have been researching this blade on line, I came across what I think is a pretty interesting (yet sad) history of this blade. Of course it is sad that it had to come into my hands due to the passing of a respected member of the collecting community. I hope I can live up to having the opportunity to own it. I found it was auctioned at Bonhams on September 24, 2020. The information about the blade in the catalog matches and the explanation of the koshirae that came with the blade also matches. The blade was one of several that came out of a collection of a Mr Kunio Izuka who (according to the write up that was included in the catalog) helped form the Kenzan Nihonto Club that later became the NY Token Kai. Just thought this was interesting info.

Would still be happy to see a few pictures of your blade if you wish to share.

I think the last 3 are: Toshi Hiro Saku