Michaelr

Very nice David. Glad you are happy with the results. Thank you for sharing the pictures MikeR

Just sent you a pm about matchlocks. Thanks. MikeR

Wow great pictures. Looks like it was a great show. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Frank I will take it. I will PM you. Thank you. MikeR

Very nice. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Thank you Bruce MikeR

Steve, just my opinion, leave it alone. Enjoy what you have, the way it is. Original No but if you destroy any part while removing it it will never even be back to what you had. Remember the old saying we all heard when we were kids” curiosity killed the cat “ well you may destroy some history and a family treasure, only to find that you have a rather common type 98, in not great shape, with not a lot of value that you can never restore even back to its post exploritory surgery. I would rather enjoy it for what it is and be honored to have it with the history you have than change it in any way. Oh yea by the way, it is yours do what you wish so why not keep it the way it is and just keep it in the back of your mind or as part of the story that under all that leather lurks on of the long lost treasures of Japan, that all would love to own and it is all yours. Think about it as the sword has been around for a long time and you don’t have to make a decision soon. Clean it up, hang it up, enjoy it the way it is and if you decide to proceed later then what ever decision you make will be the right one with no reqrets. MikeR

Bruce sorry I can’t help you with anything But I really like what I see. I buy what I like and this style of hamon is what I like. Good luck as I am sure others will jump in soon and provide you with the information you are looking for. Also I was able to see all your pictures MikeR

Nicely done and interesting. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Volker, very interesting. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Thank you both for your response. And as Brian said “ Love the sound of your book”. I am sure it would be just what I am looking for so sign me up. If you need funds in advance please let me know and I will get it out to you. As I said in my original post I am in no hurry to purchase but would like to be a informed buyer. Again thank you, good luck with the book and look forward to seeing it published. Happy New Year to all MikeR

Happy New Year everyone and thank you in advance. I have made up my mind to add one nice matchlock rifle to my small Japanese sword collection. I like the looks of the ones that are more on the fancy side and understand that real nice Original ones can be a little pricey. As I am in no hurry I would like to become more informed and knowledgeable as what to look for hence wanting to know where to start. Since I am a total novice with these it is way to early to ask those here for any of their time or knowledge. I am sure I will be back when I have learned a little to ask for some help then. So if anyone can point me to some good books for a beginner it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again MikeR

Yes I agree with you Piers that Brian’s name should start the list. Brian as a fairly noobe here and also to the Nihonto field I recognize those names as people that have helped my along this long and exciting journey. Like you said there have been many more along my way. So as Brian said Thank you to ALL This Is The Greatest Forum In The World. Happy Holiday to all and thank you MikeR

Noah, if you want to learn from looking and learning at a real sword show then check out the Japanese Sword Show next June in Orlando Florida. That show would be well worth the drive. You will have a great selection for any budget and know what you are buying. Try it MikeR

Tater, beautiful blade. Thank you for sharing all the pictures. MikeR

Jesse I am in Central NJ, about 1 hour north of Atlantic City

WOW WOW WOW. I have never seen one in person. Yours is BEAUTIFUL. If I owned it I would also be proud to share it but would also be following it up with your last line “ it’s not for sale “. Very nice and thank you for sharing MikeR

Nice one Erin. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Mark Great Looking Sword. Also a very nice looking shirasaya. Thank you for sharing MikeR

WOW that is a Beautiful blade and Koshirae. You are very lucky. Thank you so much for sharing and enjoy them as all of us will. MikeR

Kay, the pictures look great. Congratulations. I am glad that you, with the excellent advice of the forum members, decided to go through with the purchase. You have a very nice sword there. You made a good choice and have one to be proud of. MikeR

Hello Kay and welcome to the forum. All the information that you received above is great not only for you but for many others including myself. You did the right thing and came to the right place before delving into the mine field of Type 95’s. It appears to be in great condition and matching and a early model. Like expressed above and again by me, I would be proud to be the caretaker of this sword. Please let us know if you decide to purchase this sword. Again Welcome MikeR

Great pictures and great sword. I would be proud to be the care taker of this blade. Thank you for sharing MikeR

Harry. Great sword at a great price, timing was just bad for me, but right for someone else. Congratulations to you and the new caretaker MikeR

WOW no I mean WOW!! What a GREAT Sword. I would love to own that one. Thank you very much for sharing. The other stuff is Great two but the sword is Outstanding MikeR