Toryu2020

Absolutely - There were restrictions on the length of sword and the look of it's koshirae when on official duty - thus we have many swords with black scabbards and Goto-esque fittings. But off-duty you could wear pretty much what you wanted according to your taste and your pocketbook. If you were rich enough you change your sword according to the time of year, event or location or you could have one favorite sword and a dozen koshirae to choose from. There was nothing that said you had to wear a specific sword (only koshirae) for a specific occasion... -t

Here is an image of the annual sword gifting ceremony at the Shoguns' palace - all persons would have been hatamoto rank or higher... -t

Very common - a well-to-do household would have had a stockpile of swords for various occasions and for gift-giving. Certain ranks were expected to give swords of a set value at annual ceremonies for the Shogun and others. This is why there are many gimei to well known smiths there was demand for swords signed by such and that was one way to meet that demand... -t

If in the right hand, wouldn't the ha (cutting edge) be down and not up? -t

I'm not sure it was Ford who suggested finger bones. I guess my question would be - in your drawing which hand is holding the sword and which fingers are we seeing? -t

"Omi Sandai mago"

There is one in Iyo; Mishina Omi sandbi mago Minamoto Hisamichi saku Yoshu Yoshida Mishina Minamoto Hisamichi saku Mishina Minamoto Hisamichi Keio - ordinary workmanship from the Toko Zenshu 1988

Pass

TNM coasters

Knick knack box

Serving tray

ha-yori = towards the ha (cutting edge) Masa kakari = masa(me) is applied/seen utsuri ari = there is utsuri

Ooh didn't see that - I think it reads "Itame, ha yori masa kakari utsuri ari" Itame hada, towards the cutting edge masame is applied there is utsuri... I think, -t

Shinogi-zukuri IORI-mune sugu(ha) CHO hakikake Iori = peaked roof Cho = pattern or feeling... -t

Not my taste but here you go...

More likely for sumo than battle. Closer photos of both sides would help for translating... -t

A single mon needs to be really distinct if one hopes to pin it down to any one family let alone individual... "step by step..." -t

There is a facebook group for Kamon that is very good at identifying and providing information - you might ask there... -tch

You and your sword will be welcome - please bring it along and don't feel you have to join just to attend. -t

Andrew - A lot depends on which end of Webster you're coming from! That said there is always parking in the Jtown garage... -t

Andrew - welcome! You would be welcome at any of our meetings and our members can help you get in touch with local artisans that can help with your restoration/preservation. Tom

Merlin David at Samurai DVD - for all your jidaigeki needs… https://samuraidvd.com/

With friends

Woody at work during his lecture.

NCJSC display