Leen

Ah nice sword indeed, congratulations

Dear sword enthousiasts. In this post you'l find a link to the up and coming Japan Art Fair in Utrecht, The Netherlands. I will be there :-) JAF – Japan Art Fair

For starters, do not touch the blade with your bare hands. Rust will easily develop. This is indeed a type 98 shin gunto. Removing the handle or tsuka will reveal wich smith and wich era. Tap the wooden pin or mekugi gently out of the tsuka, it is thicker on one side than on the other so watch out you tap on the good side of the mekugi or you will only tighten it. Hold the sword in your right hand, (tip under an angle) and hit your wrist with the other hand. The blade will come loose. Make clear pictures of the nakago or tang oriented tip of the sword up, bottom down. Post them here and we will be able to see which smith made the sword. Do not unde any circumstanc clean the nakago or tang. Furthermore I personally wouldn't restore the koshirae (mountings) They are fine as is in my opinion. I am really curious about the smith! Oh and please don't restore the blade yourself to, leave that to a professional togishi (polisher) keep it lightly oiled to prevent rust.

Dear fellow sword enthousiasts, Although we are just halfway through the DTI, I thought I’d bring this to your attention. In 2025, the Japan Art Fair is taking place in Utrecht. I for one I am looking forward to it.

Thanks for your explanation John, I would agree that the NBTHK is not always completely reliable regarding Gendaito. Furthermore as a knifemaker myself. (I have an example of that myself next to the Seki-to you mentioned). Judging individual swords is always wise

Could you elaborate on that John?

There is some fiery debate about that. With a solid group of people stating it is not traditional and another group stating (as intense) that it is. I am in the camp of the nay sayers, but I am not merely as experienced as some people in the camp of the yay sayers. So you my answer probably doesn't help :-) Does it have Nie?

Hello Daniel, can’t tell you what it is. It is however not Japanese. kind regards, Leen.

Important swords from the museum of Japanese sword fittings one buy €200,- shipping costs are for the buyer

Thanks a lot guys

Masayoshi (正吉), Keiō (慶応, 1865-1868), Harima – “Ono-han Inoue Masayoshi kore o saku” (小野藩井上 正吉作之), he worked for the Ono fief (小野藩) of Harima province which was ruled by the Hitotsuyanagi family (一柳), masame, togari-gunome-midare….which gives a hint to where it was made

Thanks Steve now m curious about where I was made 😄

Dear readers, can someone help me translate this mei. The right column says august 1863, but what doe the left one say?

Ask for more pictures, preferably including the Nakago

Some other books for sale. Postal costs are for the buyer. 1. Japanese swords and sword furniture in the museum of fine arts €285 2. Sukashi Tsuba € 130 3. Connoisseurs book of Japanese swords € 50

Some books for sale, costs for sending the books are for the buyer 1. The heart of Kendo. €20 2. Art of the samurai €90 3. The picture book of old tsuba € 60 4. Japanese sword fittings the Naunton collection € 110

Dear Decal, I sent you a pm

Firm yes

The Hawleys, as well as the fuller and gregory are still available

Dear sword enthousiasts, I have a few more books for sale: 1. Hawleys, Japanese Swordsmiths €250,- 2. Christie’s, Japanese swords and sword fittings from the collection of dr. Walter a. Compton € 180 (in one sale) (on hold) 3. Swords of Japan 1926 - 1945 € 200,- shipping and insurance costs are for the buyer

Both Sesko’s are now sold

Swords of imperial Japan is sold

Dear readers, I am offering a few books from my library. costs of shipping and insurance are for the buyer. Books: Shinto & Shin Shinto Kantei in English by Markus Sesko € 80 koto Kantei in English by Markus Sesko € 80 ModernJapanese Swordsmiths 1868 - 1945 first print € 250 Swords of imperial Japan by Jim Dawson € 150 kind regards, Leen.

Ah it is an early one indeed, how nice. That’s what I love about this field …the exception to the rules 😁

You might be quite right Bruce. I can make up the 7 and 6 but the 9 also looks like a 3