Baka Gaijin

Here's someone following in Donn F Draeger's Path:

Please check out the following: Masterly.

Good morning Gentlemen, Excellent and thought provoking article, Ellis always comes up with the goods. For anyone starting out in the study, here are some useful links: http://www.kamuelacopy.com/hoplology.com/ https://www.facebook.com/International-Hoplology-Society-130879026931954/

Good morning Paz, The seller may have a tracking number from USPS If so, this may be of assistance: https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input Other than that, it should go to the International Hub in Coventry and be transferred to Royal Mail. I've had items transfer to Parcel Force in the past for some reason, but Royal Mail sounds the logical option.

Good afternoon Alban, In the 19th Century, small boxes like this were sometimes used for small items of interest, often contained in a larger Cabinet of Curiosities (Wunderkammer). Later generations would repurpose them according to their requirement and Social standing. When I discovered this one, last year, it had been used for Turkish Cigarettes since the 1960's.

Ford is indeed the man for the job, currently he is engaged upon the conservation of a nunome zogan box for me. His knowledge of Japanese metals and their care is unparalleled.

Hi Ian, The US Naval Institute Archive may be worth investigating https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1955/august/photographing-surrender-aboard-uss-missouri

Hi Bruce [drum-roll................] and the nakago!?!? All things in due time........... (The mounting is very firm and I'm gently using the specialist wooden tools for removing tight tsuka)

This all looks like old work leaving me with the thought that both parts were, as Brian intimated, made from dome headed Brass screws. I put this theory to the esteemed membership for your consideration.

I’ve tweaked the exposure and contrast slightly to show the glue-like residue at the mouth of the Mekugi Ana.

Good morning Gentlemen, I've removed the Brass pin which is actually two tapering pins of slightly different diameter and, it was remarkably simple. The mouth of the Mekugi ana shows evidence of a whitish glue like substance, which may be rice starch. There are also traces of this on the “barrel” of the slightly larger pin. I’m drawn to the theory of a field repair, as the barrels of both parts show much filing and angling to get a tight fit.

Its in reasonable condition after 77 years, the blade having been covered with the British version of Cosmolene. WD40 on a soft cloth has worked its magic, next is a light application of sword oil to stabilize. I think that Brian and Grey's suggestion holds water, and the groove is deliberate to indicate which is the "top" so to speak.

Thank You Gentlemen, It looks to be in its original polish Non Traditionally made, I think. 68 cms nagasa There is a slight thickening of the Tsuka towards the Tsuba.

Close up Ura

Close up Omote

Good morning Gentlemen, I have recently acquired an Officer’s sword surrendered in Singapore. It has an unusual metal Mekugi, which I think may be screw threaded. Before I apply gentle persuasion, I wonder if anyone has encountered this type before.

Thank you Colin I'm referring to the tsuba in Glen's post, and the attribution of a Radish to the ura, I've just amended it so that there is no confusion.

Good morning Gentlemen, With reference to Glen's post. The image of Hotei and his sack has long been used to portray a lack of concern for social conventions or material wealth. He is said to have carried his meagre possessions around in a large sack. As such, he became a popular subject for Zen ink painters, who saw him as the personification of non - attachment. The item on the reverse which looks like a radish represents a priest's horsehair sceptre, known as a Hossu, which Hotei has gleefully discarded along with the other attributes of Buddhist dogma.

Much of this intricate carving came from the Canton area, now known as Guangzhou.