EdWolf

Thank you very much, Chris!

Yesterday I have bought an interesting tanto. It has an unusual blade shape. I'm trying to find the right name and the best fit is in my opinion kanmuri-otoshi-zukuri. Good you please confirm or point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance! Best regards, Ed

Same for me. Session time out.

Hi Chris, maybe you can put an object just behind the blade and use it for manually focus. When focus is set simply remove the object and take the picture.

Hi Chris, I don't think the resolution of your old camera is a real problem. The resolution is high enough to take nice pictures. Are you using a tripod and manual focus? BTW, the results of your photos are promising! Best regards, Ed

Chris, that's a nice setup. Maybe you can add white screens on both sides. Then put the tripods on the sides. The white screens will soften the light and reduce the dark shadows.

I vote for 3 and 7.

Nice dragon. Wish I had that kind of skills.

Very nice Neil! Can't wait to see the photos of the blades! Best regards, Ed

Stunning koshirae Ray!

I agree with Steve and John, The crest on the blade is not executed very well, I don’t think it caused by polishing the blade. The crest on the blade is not the same as on the tang. I don’t know how to call it but on the tang the small carving is attached to the heart shaped object and on the blade it’s attached to the inner circle. See attached image. Best regards, Ed

Beautiful collection! Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed

Neil, thank you for your reply and confirmation about the green color saya. I now have a small collection of military swords. Three type 98 all with old traditional blades and two kai-gunto swords. Best regards, Ed

Hi John, Thanks for your kind reply! I also think this is a nice well made blade as you would expect from a blade from this time-period. Best regards, Ed

Sorry but this is the best I can do. Best regards, Ed

The overall condition of the blade is not that bad. There are some scratches, no visible flaws so nothing that can be fixed with a new polish. The story behind this sword is that it was taken by a Dutch Colonel from a local at Sumatra during the “politionele acties” (sorry but I don’t know how to translate it). After the war there was a brutal conflict in the Dutch East Indies between Dutch soldiers and the local population. The previous owner bought it from the widow of the Colonel. Can’t verify the story but it’s plausible.

Only two picture where in focus and the light is terrible. Will try to make better ones.

Hi Jussi, Thank you very much for your opinion. I'm glad you and others confirmed my attempt to date the blade. It's a steep learning curve. I will try to take better pictures of the blade. Most of the pictures where out of focus. I'm not the best photographer :-) Best regards, Ed

Thank you Bruce! Good to see the screenshot with the different colors used. I must say I was a little bit worried about the color but the overall appearance of the blade and the fittings convinced me to buy it. I agree with you, this blade was before it was cut a very nice long blade. It’s a shame but it’s all part of history. Thanks John! You are right about the original mekugi ana. It’s just near the edge of the of the nakago and a small part of it is visible. The length and the tachi mei also pointed me to early Muromachi. Best regards, Ed

Thanks John and JP for your opinion! Highly appreciated. I find determining the period a difficult task. Especially when the blade is shortened. For me it’s hard to imagine the original shape of the blade. Best regards, Ed

Hi to all, I have recently acquired an old blade in military type 98 mountings. The blade is shortened and only a small part of the signature remains (Bishu Osafune). It’s cut off right next to the original mekugi ana. The nagasa is still 67.5 cm. The blade has a tachi mei so I think it’s an early Muromachi blade. I’m still a novice so please be gentle! The mountings are nice and the has a tsuba of the openwork type. The iron saya has a very strange and unusual green color. It has some age but it can be done post war. I’m not sure. Please let me know what you think. All opinions about the blade and the mountings are welcome. Best regards, Ed

Hi David, You bayonet is made by National Denki under Kokura supervision. You can find more info about the markings here: http://oldmilitarymarkings.com/japanese_markings.html Best regards, Ed

Outstanding collection. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed

Hi Yurie, Keep up the good work! Beautiful sword! Best regards, Ed

Ian, I would love to see pictures of your Saya covered with egg shell. Is it possible to post pictures? Best regards, Ed