Ray Singer

Another example. http://www.e-sword.jp/tantou/1710-3010.htm

The same applies to Kicho, Tokubetsu Kicho and Koshu Tokubetsu Kicho.

And BTW, this is the individual who performed the restoration. Best regards, Ray

I took a look at the miniature matchlocks on eBay and they are all much smaller than this example, ranging between 9.7 - 11cm. http://www.ebay.com/itm/132017144477 http://www.ebay.com/itm/142193728726 http://www.ebay.com/itm/142193728028

Thanks for the kind words everyone. This one seems quite a bit too large to be categorized as a netsuke. The gun measures 18.3cm and has substantial weight. Best regards, Ray

Excellent question Brian, I will ask the owner and let you know.

The owner of this piece recently received it back from restoration in Japan. I thought some might be interested to see completed reconstruction of the missing lock and plate. Best regards, Ray

Unfortunately no chance this is authentic. Very typical Chinese fake.

That's the one Ron

I've seen various types on inscriptions on a mune. One NMB member has a very beautiful gendai tanto by Yoshihara Kuniie with a mune inscription. Here is another example. http://www.nihontocraft.com/11th_Rai_Kinmichi.htm

I believe this is meant to say that the sword is for the individual's protection. Same concept for a mamori-gatana.

A quote from Jim Kurrasch (Nanka Token Kai, April 1999) "In the olden times the preferred method for Umegane was to use a piece from the nakago of the sword to be repaired. This gave the exact same steel for the umegane as used in the sword. Maybe that is why one sees square mekugi-ana on some of the older swords. These strangely shaped ana are often on the point side of the round mekugi ana. So maybe when one sees these they should also be looking for umegane."

Yes, it does look like Yasunori. I do not see that smith. Meikan-more?

Perhaps Bushū jū Yasu (something): 武州住安_

Yes, definitely looks like Kanekage. Best regards, Ray

Echizen (no) Kuni Kanetane.

Yep, Nam Myoho (lotus flower) Kyo. Clever take on the Nichiren Buddhist sutra.

Gimei (fake signatures) are exceedingly common. Especially so when you are talking about such famous smiths as Bizen Saburo Kunimune. Best regards, Ray

See post #4.

From your photo of the kissaki, looking at what appears to be a perfectly straight ko-shinogi, it already seems that you are changing the geometry. The boshi appears quite thin as is, and will likely not sustain much foundation work if corrections are needed. I second the comments that it would be best to avoid any further "polishing" work and wait until such a time when you are ready to have a professional restore the sword. Having mako-ake done is a relatively modest cost. Not sure if you are based out of Australia, but if so you have Andrew Ickeringill in Melbourne who is a fully training togishi (having completed his full apprenticeship in Japan).

Bob Benson or Mike Yamasaki would be my choice. Best regards, Ray

Another example of a karakusa-bori habaki (mixed with botan yasuri-mei). http://yakiba.com/Tanto_Nobukuni.htm

Would love to see more photos. My best friend bought the mumei Ryumon Nobuyoshi which was formerly in the Museum of Sword Fittings (attributed to Ryumon Nobuyoshi and received Juyo after purchase). Exceptional smith and an exceptional sword. http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/a-yamato-school-katana-unsigned-attributed-to-4376903-details.aspx?from=salesummery&intobjectid=4376903&sid=feba4329-11a3-4dcd-ae24-c54ffbe23836

I cannot affirm that the mei is good (no references here with me) but that signature was used by a number of groups. I'll reserve judgment until further research.

Kanenaga. 包永