Steves87

quite interesting! I was re-reading a few Haynes articles to kill some time while the outside temps are 42 degc, and came across this article which has some relation to the thread: Haynes Article (shibuiswords.com) being from 1997, I found the quoted pricing also quite interesting.

That is what I was alluding to initially (substantially better than most, just dirty)

here are a couple of extra links for future's sake: Haynes Article (shibuiswords.com)

I have a couple of Kofu rain dragon Tsuba and a bunch of Namban guards with dragons, but I get the most wonderment out of an odd Shakudo/golden dragon guard.

Well, in my observations I see a lost tenzogan at the 4 o'clock (indicating actual inlay, at least for the spray)... and the guard's details are relatively crisp (although "dirty") compared to 99% of other Nagoya mono, especially in regards to the nanako.

That is very interesting. My vote is for a paper weight though.... the last thing you want is for a chunk of metal flying off during practice... they should have stoppers, but those things are useless for anything heavier than rubber or leather. On a side note, we used to try a whole range of different types for sparring applications. Solid 3d printed plastic worked well and was relatively safe for a clean sparring session, but one good hit and it shattered, so it was only good for a session or two. Metal was too dangerous for the reasons stated earlier, and leather/pigs hide was good until it deformed enough to not protect a miss-deflected bokken.

I would vote for those mei being "stamped" in (character line by character line), or indented/punched versus chiselled, ie no stock removal, just base metal displacement. And if that was the case, then it would stand more chance of surviving by not being cast.

Along the lines of Dale's post, there was a post here on NMB a few years ago where a member stated they kept the original peg (I think) and drilled two holes in it. They removed the nails then glued and tied (with string) the peg through the baseplate. I thought this was a good idea, so I 3d printed a ton of pegs. The pegs have two holes the whole way through, with a recess between the holes (on one face only) for the knot to sit in. You can subsequently cover/finish the peg as desired. Hopefully you can see these details on the picture. Mostly not my idea, but it works and has two stage adherence. If it does break off, it's relatively soft.

Great looking box there! I'm a bit of a carved camphor chest collector myself and those locks often come with the boxes without the key. If I move the box on, I usually keep the key-less lock, sometimes I get a box with a key stuck in it.. and no lock!

I agree with Jean also. There is tenzogan there (a pretty good indicator), and one of the hitsu-ana has a space for a sekigane, which regardless of the possibility of being put in post manufacture, I have yet to see one on a cast (or modern) Tsuba.

I think Darrel means: there were some cast Tsuba that were actually mounted, and these may show signs of wear, from where the seppa made contact.... how do you use the seppa indicator in this circumstance?

I don't want to go off topic too far, but on cast Tsuba within museum collections, it is likely they are part of a fonds and are significant not for anything other than their relationship within the fonds. Museum's may or may not know they are cast, but I would guess they likely do.

I think you have a classic re-seller caught out. It appears as if your example is the exact same example, only with rust cleaned out some. The rust spot at the bottom of the hitsu-ana on the ura face. That is too much of a coincidence. This has happened to me before also, a guard I have bought shows up in a much worse (previous) condition. I'd report the yahoo advert.

A ten? (I noticed Jean has a ten also)

I love to drop the odd pic in, every now and then. I have a couple of Kiku guards, but here is one I have been asked to add as it is a 12 petal example, not too different to those referred to as San Diego Tsuba.

I believe everything he has written. I especially believe his 11th paragraph, I cannot believe the prices that some guards go for. The amount of precious material, time and skill that you can buy for $300 is borderline criminal (a steal!). But until people wake up and realise, I'm happy to buy my tenure cheap!

I came across this post on the facebook today. Not saying these have anything to do with casting Tsuba or not, but I thought it might be ok to post here as these could be used within a process for creating moulds.

Thanks for the heads up Darrel, this is sad to hear, such an unfortunate, yet compulsory part of life. This does explain a few things in relation to his ebay account status, the previous mass selling of his Tsuba, and the self statement of his latest book being his last. Hopefully everyone who has a piece of his collection (I am included in this) can keep his care tenure in the provenance of their peice. Where was the original post from his son?

Smallest? This one?? (Bottom left above the Torii)

the right hand (first photo) appears to be Li Bai and DuFu Sword guard (Tsuba) With the Motif of Lǐ Bái Viewing a Waterfall (李白観瀑図鐔) | Japanese | The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org)

Well, I found this on instagram, and if the owner wishes me to remove the photos, I will; however, I thought it was an important bit of info as it has answered a question I have had for a long time, being.... what is the condition on the back of a Tsuba used as decoration??? It is unfortunate that the box is in that state (I have a strange affection to boxes), but, it is great that the Tsuba is pretty ok.

Without knowing for sure Dale, I'd say it was definitely this: https://www.zacke.at...suba/?lot=15199&sd=1

Thanks Jean, I'm pretty sure it is too! I came across this one today too.... not Tsuba, but another repurpose of Tosogu. https://www.ebay.com...r=artemis&media=COPY

Have we posted the candle stick holder yet? https://www.ebay.com...r=artemis&media=COPY Judging by the underside, it was a Tsuba at some point.... there is remnant thatching both sides.... was it originally a wangata though, or bent to purpose??

You are not wrong, but like I said before, there is some obvious deception out there; additionally, I know of examples for this right now, and especially on theebay.... the same papered (or not) guard on multiple sellers sites. This is usually a case of 3rd party selling... someone has access to it cheap, and advertises it at a higher price elsewhere. If you buy it, the 3rd party seller purchases it from their primary source, and sends it to you, all the while, pocketing the difference in coin. Im sure there are even unwitting 4th party sellers too. I have mostly proven this theory from taking a punt and purchasing from the lowest offering ad, I know I shouldn't support this, but there are lots of "factors" involved For me personally. Sometimes the sellers are caught out by not realising the primary ad is finished, but they have always reimbursed the money instantly (as I think this 3rd partying goes against auction site policies). Ultimately, the majority of the guards will exist for sale somewhere, it is just a matter of who is the primary seller, and if "they" aren't, then where is it advertised cheaper? This is a completely different kettle of fish to cast guards, and only similar when concerned with blatant deception element.... like advertising a casting as an original.