EdWolf

I was also inspired by Ray and his stunning photographs. I have tried but the results are a bit disappointing. Need more practice.

Sorry Franco but I don't understand what you mean. Can you please explain? Best regards, Ed

and another picture of the kashira.

Hi Ken, Thanks for your reply! The ko-wakizashi is fully mounted and the kashira is made of horn. So not matching but still a nice set. See attached photo. Sorry not the best picture. It's was taken on a very cloudy day with not much daylight. Best regards, Ed

Very nice! Congratulations! Best regards, Ed

Nice job! Good skills, the paint looks very good.

As a militaria collector for more than 35 years I know that it's not uncommon to find items made with old parts. These parts came from old stocks or where simply reused. The demand was high so everything was used to complete the item. BTW, at the end of the war most soldiers couldn't care.

Although not the highest quality I like the 'been there' look of it. I like the iron F/k. The Habaki is odd. Never seen one before. Are you thinking about restoring it like replacing the same? Enjoy your find! Best regards, Ed

No one? Please feel free to comment.

Hello everybody, Recently I have bought a ko-wakizashi and the fuchi that came with it was signed. I have figured out that the signature is from MITSUNAKA. My question is, do you think the signature is real. I ask because all other signed fuchi I can find are signed with MINO JU MITSUNAKA or is this just made by another MITSUNAKA. It's very well made and shows a lot of nice details. Best regards, Ed

Maybe a slightly better picture will help.

Hi Piers and Uwe, Thanks for all the effort! I really appreciate it! This one is hard to read. I'm a novice but normally I can determine one or sometimes more within a half hour. But this one, after an hour I gave up. Nothing. Thanks to you guys we can read a part! Maybe an other member can help us. Thanks again! Best regards, Ed

No one? Please help me with the translation. Best regards, Ed

I think I see what you mean. This type of writing is very hard to read. Maybe it's because of my bad sight. Please reveal the rest of the signature. I'm lost! Thanks in advance. Best regards, Ed

Hello Piers, Thanks for your help but I’m still lost. The hint (泉州住) senshū ju doesn’t help me much I can’t recognize that part of the signatures at all. Which part is 泉州住? Best regards, Ed

Hi to all, I need some help with translating the inscription on this sweet little kogatana. Normally I can read some characters but this one is way too difficult for me. Hope one of you can help me out. Best regards, Ed

Dear George, Thank you for all the information regarding the Tama and your help! Best regards, Ed

Dear Geraint, Thanks for your reply and thought! Best regards, Ed

Hello to all, I have a tsuka with an interesting Fuchi and Kashira with an armour motif. At least I find this interesting. The Kashira has a Kabuto shape. I have tried to search for similar Kashira but I can’t find anyone! Are there members here with a similar Kashira and if so, please post pictures. Are this type of decorations related to a certain school or period? All information will be highly appreciated. The menuki on one side is a dragon and the other side has a disc. What is the meaning of the disc? Best regards, Ed

Hi Bruce, keep up the good work! Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed

Hi Dave, interesting photos. Thanks for sharing. Best regards, Ed

Hi Thomas, That's a very nice collection! Best regards, Ed

Hi Chris, Can’t tell you something about battleships and where all the other kai gunto swords are but I do know where two kai-gunto swords are Best regards, Ed

Hi Chris, Excellent collection. Very nice! Best regards, Ed

I don't think the lower hole is a real mekugi ana. It's relatively large. Just an extra hole added for some mountings? Maybe used in Ww2? Here is an interesting link about the extra hole. http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/17559-shinobi-ana/ Best regards, Ed