David Flynn

Try laying the sword down and take the photo at about 30 degree angle. Unfortunately, these photo's still don't show the Boshi clearly.

It could be the angle, but it looks like the Boshi runs off.

Also, would you please show a better photos of the Kissaki and the Boshi?

Just the way the Smith signed it. Nothing Sus.

I was under the belief that to receive Juyo, a sword must be attributed to a Smith and not a Den.

Adrian Schlemmer ( the owner), claimed on FB, that it received Juyo.

Kato Jumyo, usually signed with his name. Fujiwara Jumyo to me, sounds like Edo.

Except for the Tassel, there is nothing that says this is a General's sword. To call it a Generals sword, there would need to be provenance.

Up until late Edo, I believe most schools guarded their forging "Secrets" . So, the construction and Tempering methods, although similar, would differ ( otherwise they would all be the same, Neh). Which means, it comes down to the Skill of the Smith/School, as to the quality and not the amount pieces in the construction.

Ideally, a set to match the Fuchi/kashira or the Tsuba would be optimal. However, this might be too hard to aquire. Ebay is still OK for Tosugu. A nice matching set would be ok.

Now that we have exhausted the expose' on Sadakatsu, may we return to the Topic. Photo's from members showing THEIR Gassan School swords, from Koto through to present.

Allow me to propose a hypothetical scenario. Someone sees a Sadakatsu for sale and says to the seller, Wow, I really like that sword, let me think about it. The sword has Hozon papers, however the buyer has read your comments on Daisaku/ Daimie and thinks the signature looks like one of the swords you claim is Daisaku/ Daimei. He notifies the seller that he is no longer interested because, according to Bryce, the sword is Daisaku/Daimie. The seller would have every right to be angry and criticise you for buggering the sale.

Bryce, that's all speculation and serves no real purpose. Unless you can definitely prove these swords are signed by different hands, I believe we must bow to the Sword Societies. Daisaku/Daimei have been done since at least the Kamakura period, but again, without definitive proof it's just something collectors chat about with each other and not publicly. Once it becomes public, this allows all sort of theories to present themselves and just makes some people look silly.

Seeing as this is primarily about Mumei, allow me to share an anecdote. Someone I know had an O Suriage Kambun Shinto sword. The owner was convinced it was Koto Hasebe school. It was polished in Japan and sent to the NTHK for shinsa. Well, they didn't give it "Hasebe" , but to a Osaka smith. The owner, obviously didn't agree, so the sword was then sent to the NBTHK. Their opinion was only slightly different. They gave it as the Osaka Smiths Father! My thoughts, when I first saw the sword was that, it was possibly Mishina school ( I was closer than the owner). Mumei swords can be a real problem, especially if they're dirty.

As far as which societies papers are better? With signed swords, I don't believe it really matters (unless one is considering Juyo) As far as Mumei swords go, I believe the American Shinsa with the two NTHK may tend to rush their verdict. However, I put more credence with Shinsa in Japan ( for Mumei). Again, unless one is going for Juyo, I hold all three as a much of a muchness (in Japan).

Here's my spin, If you are having a sword polished, then Shinsa is a must. If you are only considering having a sword polished, then again, Shinsa is a must.

A very good smith.

Before even considering it for restoration, The Rust in the Monouchi needs to be checked, to make sure it's not too deep.

Also, check out the Gassan School thread.

It's a Machiokuri Katana.

1st giveaway, the sword above is signed Katana Mei, where as Tadayoshi signed Tachi Mei.

Eric, you wont get more than Hozon. Save your money.

Tom, will this do?

I have a Sukekane Katana, but it doesn't have a Tsuba like that

This is becoming ridiculous. I believe it's time to close this thread.