ChrisW

Definitely since the overwhelming majority of 'blue' topaz is lab-created by radiating or heating regular topaz and is a fairly recent innovation. Technically aquamarine is the blue specie of beryl, the family to which both emerald, aquamarine and topaz belong to, among others. But the lab created is done to fill in for colors that don't exist since most aquamarine is a very pale blue and as the supply of quality aquamarine is fairly low compared to topaz.

I have a kashira that has an inset amethyst stone. I am away from home for a few days, but when I return, I shall post some pictures of it. Heavy iron, gold wire trim.. overall a nice piece. Wish I had the fuchi for it!

Traditionally made yes.. but buffing wheel'ed to hell. I am not sure if there's even enough meat on the boshi for it to be salvageable.

I've reached out to Eric and at some point, he and I will be meeting. I'll give it a good long hard look when I see it in person. Photographs just don't typically do nihonto justice. I think people just need to calm down a bit. Passions have run a bit hot and it has come to personal attacks, which is unbecoming of such a distinguished collection of people. Let's all agree to drop the attitudes and just stick to well-educated opinions predicated on observable facts, yeah? We're here for the swords, let's keep it that way!

Mantetsu Kitae Tsukuru Kore

Shame that screw ruined what would have otherwise been a rather nice fuchigashira set. Blade looks to be ubu Shinto. Can't tell much more without evidence of hamon/hada.

I agree with Brian. The quality of the carving suggests atobori. To the uninitiated, this means that it was done long after the sword was forged. And sometimes, but not always, atobori is done to conceal open flaws on the surface of the metal. However, all opinions are secondary to an opinion rendered in hand. Photos can only do so much. Speaking from personal experience, cell phone cameras just can't do a sword justice!

Message sent, check your DMs at the top right with the letter icon next to your name!

Hello Eric! To be sure, you have an interesting piece, but photos on the internet make it difficult to ascertain much. Since I am local, I'll reach out to you in DM to help you get assistance locally. ~Chris

I was out of the house for today. I'll go ahead and reach out!

Broken lower half of a blade for sure. I've seen this before.

Hard to say much other than they appear to be proper antique Japanese swords. Can you give us some measurements? (Blade edge length, etc. ) Pictures of the nakago (tang) would also be very helpful in estimating age/might tell you who made it.

Doesn't surprise me with how sloppy that is. Just good enough to fool the uninitiated. Which is honestly how most scams work, they filter out those that aren't gullible enough and find the perfect mark: somehow who is that gullible.

Far as I know, it was always considered a dealers' fabrication.. much like the "landing forces sword".

Now 40% off! Both the tsuba and the price.

100% it is this. I have low-end pieces, but I don't even usually put them out at the show unless someone asks for them. I don't want to waste valuable table space on something that isn't worth haggling over. I'll use them as bargaining chips sometimes though.

I believe this is also an intentionally made ken, not a yari. Having owned a few ken, this looks correct to me.

Sorry, I'll clear a spot for you! Go ahead and send me your payment info and I'll work it out tonight!

I believe the term you are looking for is 'sunagashi'

No more than a week if that is permissible!

Hamfish, Do you mind holding these for me for a bit while I see if I can swing some money for this? Just paid for a project so I want to see if I can scrounge up enough. I have an idea for these knots! ~Chris

I think this seller is cutting himself off at the knees by trying this as a sales tactic.

Nothing overly important I think? Says its a mumei wakizashi. The real question is: do you like the blade for what you see? If so, consider the price and then make a judgement!

The Indiana Token Kai meets the third Saturday of every month. Reach out to me if you're interested in attending.

Agreed. The price on these is fairly reasonable. I say go for it.