nagamaki - Franco

Hello Brian, Thick gold plate? I see a lot of copper with a thin layer of what looks like gold, but if it is it looks to be very low content, imo. Would be interested in hearing what Ford had to say as to how the front plate was made? Cast? Molded? Followed by some hand work? I do understand the attraction, temptation, when we come across "copies" of a master's work. But before we give in to our weaknesses, we should at least research what the "real thing" looks like before making a decision. A big part of buying pieces whether original or copies , imo, is how closely does the piece in question match in materials and there quality used (gold, shakudo, shibuichi). If quality is not there it's time to move on. And while access to actual pieces for reference and study may be limited, those (coffee table) books are generally readily available. Eloy, in the end it's the thought that counts.

"Bad swords hurt your eyes", tosogu too! Eye drops, where are my eye drops!

Hi Ludolf, Pure speculation but since it was common for Goto pieces to be made unsigned, strongly suspect when these pieces changed hands (and any original paper was lost, misplaced) that the new owner sought to have the name of the maker confirmed/certified. I would imagine that their was some formal authority for this task. A good question for someone like Mike Yamasaki san.

Closer images of kissaki along with full dimensions might be helpful?

Yes, it would have been mumei. What do you mean by made both parts? Ludolf, would it be possible to post additional images? The reason for suspecting repair is if you look right along the right edge of the middle long leaf it appears that a number of the nanako have been repunched in addition to some other signs that the inlay may have been refitted/reattached.

Brian, the same thought crossed my mind about the nanako. However, as I look at Ludolf's image it reminds me of the repaired Juyo piece that was a NMB subject here not long ago, which leaves me to suspect that we are viewing another repair job. That possibility would explain the quality of the inlay along with the attribution combined with the nanako background. BTW, Brian, on your piece someone like Ford or Brian Tschernega could easily replace the missing silver drops.

Attributions by a later generation is not uncommon, like many they still need to be confirmed as some can be sketchy thought to be done as a favor, generous. NBTHK papered example FYI,

1) Must disagree. There certainly is stifling and ridicule going on in the section quoted below. 2) Not sure, the lamp I use has a quartz halogen bulb.

Good way to see niku, too.

I believe it is essential along with a nihonto purchase/polish/collecting to buy a quartz halogen lamp as it will not only reveal fine detail in the workmanship of the sword or lack thereof, tosogu too, but flaws as well, and even and including tiny single specs of uchiko left behind. It makes you look over the sword that much more carefully, a good thing.

Additionally, consider that even when knowing how to properly use 'polishers uchiko', unless one is able to maintain virtually zero finger pressure through the entire wipe the sword is going to be scratched at some point. more comment, Uchiko. When it comes to leaving scratches, sword age doesn't matter, sword provenance no longer matters, Juyo origami offers no protection, even when the sword is polished by a NLT polisher, tough luck. IMHO, not all microfiber cloth are equal, "MicroDear." Uchiko and enhancement. In hindsight enhancement was never in the forefront of my thoughts with the sword mentioned in my previous post. Quite simply at the polisher's direction; using uchiko change the oil once every two weeks the 1st month, then once a month after that for six months. And that's what was done. After that the switch was made to MicroDear. While never discussed with the polisher, I have to believe the polisher knew darn well the effects it would have in bringing out more detail. As for entering the 'uchiko' sword in the polishers contest, it never crossed my mind. At least not seriously.

Darcy, your points, arguments, were fine until you started taking this discussion down to a personal subjective level throwing in positions not to enhance conversation but rather to stifle it and ridicule. Not good.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1170-Yasuchika-Signed-Japanese-Antique-Menuki-Sword-fittings-Certificate-Bee-/281659330781?nma=true&si=EC%252FrARG%252BQzHr8bo%252ByO0COc9fI5M%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Uchiko, thoughts, comment, experience; Currently, will use 'polisher's uchiko' /oil only as necessary/essential, mostly swords are kept dry, wipe and inspect regularly with MicroDear cloths. Kajiwara sensei, Yoshikawa sensei, Jimmy Hayashi san all used uchiko on my polished swords without hesitation when asked to evaluate. Each time I examined the swords afterwards under quartz halogen lighting and there were no scratches from their applying uchiko. Have used 5 different polishers, 4 of which are Japanese, each and everyone recommended using uchiko. Uchiko is unforgiving if used incorrectly, and/or if poor quality, it will scratch. Uchiko will bring out detail in a kesho polish as witnessed when a newly polished sword was presented for kantei to a study group of ~15 people, and then the same sword was presented again for kantei only 6 months later to the same group of ~15 people where it was not recognized by anyone. The most frequent comment when revealed following discussion was 'where did all that ko gonome with ko ashi come from?'. Have seen many freshly polished and older polished swords on all levels owned by collectors of all levels with uchiko scratches. Have seen many freshly polished and older polished swords on all levels owned by collectors of all levels without uchiko scratches. Uchiko, when in doubt, don't.

Pete, does where matter, sword show table, ebay/buy it now, yahoo, NMB, gun show, really, what does it matter where? You come upon this piece, there it is on display, no paper, seller has no clue but wants $3000 for it for discussion sake, how many would still buy it is what I'm asking? No peeking, no hindsight, completely remove that it has any paper out of your mind, ha, and there is somebody looking over your shoulder .......

How many would have bought this piece not papered or green papered? At what price?

Peter Bleed wrote " emerging distribution of incomes." Over the past year I've had a number of higher end fittings for sale. Typically, the most frequent comment being received is "I would love to buy your fitting, but just can't afford it right now." So, in response to Peter's comment ..... the following video surely expresses at least part of what's going on .......

Hello, Wait one second, it needs to be understood especially by the inexperienced that not until a blade has undergone a foundation polish is it completely in the clear. And while hopes are raised here and I too am happy for Richard, I would still suggest to remain optimistically cautious at this point. There is a reason a paper wasn't issued. More than once a 'good sword' has been sent for polish where all could be seen followed by the dreaded phone call saying "sorry ...... . " It may not even be a 'fatal' flaw, many times a hidden blister opens up where the polisher 'might ask' if he should continue or not. Experienced collectors are rarely surprised by the unexpected, but even so it does happen.

Looks oil to these eyes.

Lovely sword.

A great reason not to be a mei collector, attend sword shows etc. to look at as many examples as possible, plus carefully read the kantei descriptions. This holds true for the better smiths as well, one might have to look at half a dozen blades or more before seeing one that stands above the rest. But then the trick becomes knowing when you're seeing the better example.

Scaly rust, not a good sign even before seeing the blade. Regardless, proper oil and leave it be, for now.

Mino Goto what?

Beginning to look tired to my eyes, thin skin steel, but then you should seek out the advice of a 'qualified polisher' rather than just opinion if you're seriously thinking restoration.