DTM72

I was messaged for a link to the website. The box and stand were includeed in the price. https://shop.samurai-armor.com/?v=7516fd43adaa In total, I paid $1720 usd. $1225 for the armor $275 for shipping to the USA $87 tax $133 for importer to move through customs.

Thank you all for the education on that. Much Appreciated!

I know this can be a touchy subject but I wanted a set of armor that i could actualy wear and train in. Actual antique armor should be treated as such and I could not bring myself to wear, much less train, in an actual Edo period armor. All that being said, I had a set of armor crafted by Iron Mountain Armory and their US counterpart Shop Samurai Armor. I am 100% happy with how this turned out. For those who want a nice display piece that can be customized to your liking, this would be an excellent place to go. Per their website "All the workers at the iron Mountain Armory work under the guidane of, or have training from, Japanese Katchu-shi or artisans who have been crafting armor since 2003. Until 2011, they were only making armor for the Japanese market. In 2011 Iron Mountain Armory was opened to allow direct sales to the European market. Since 2014 the armory has been the largest producer of Samurai Armor and accessories sold in the world." They have supplied movie studios with armor for multiple movies and stories. I just want to throw them out there for anyone who may want something that can be used and beat-up, that is NOT made of fiberglass or cheap materials.

Just so I can learn, why would the carver avoid "四" ? It has another meaning besides 4?

Sent you a message.

Still holding on to hope that someone may find a picture of Emura and hopefully some pics of the prison and prisoners working.

When I try to copy and paste the one I want, it reverts to the normal 正 version.

I am looking for a digital version of the one on the end so I can copy and paste into an information sheet for the translation of a signature....pic of mei, digital version of kanji next to it, translation next to that.

I am trying to find the alternate kanji for Masa that looks like two eyes, a nose and a sideways smile that Suishinshi Masahide used in his mei 水心子正秀 <-- alternate kanji for this Masa that looks like L- or L;

Would this have been the correct belt for a field grade kyu?

Great....now I'm gonna have the "Curly Shuffle" song stuck in my head all day... Hey Moe! Hey Moe! That will now be the name of the sword from this point forward...Moe.

Seller agreed to my offer so I guess I am the new owner of this Plimpton Collection Murata Kyu Gunto! Next question...is this the correct knot for a field grade Kyu Gunto?

I am clueless on that one. This is shaping-up to be a somewhat rare beast. Seller messaged me that he got it from the Plimpton collection.

I have a chance to purchase a nice kyu, but want a little more info before I pull the trigger. Seller thinks it is a Murata but the nakago is not signed. There is one small stamp that I am not familiar with. in addition, I have not seen a Murata with 2 thin bohi. I have requested better pics of the blade itself, but I can't tell if it is an etched hamon. In one of the pics, there appears to be a nioi-guchi bordering the hamon. as always, thank you to everyone who responds! @Bruce Pennington @PNSSHOGUN @IJASWORDS

@Bruce Pennington Not sure if anyone answered your question on this. There is a tiny "W" in the polishers stripes, near the mune in the shinogi-ji. Can't say I've seen the W in that location before.

Message sent

With my upcoming work schedule, I don't think I can make this show. <-- That being said, I have 2 items I would like to submit to shinsa. Are there any "agents" I can send the items to that will submit for me? A couple people offered their services on facebook, but I can't recall who. Might have been David Easley.

Out of curiousity, where in the USA are you located? I'm in Charleston, SC

For comparison http://www.japaneseswordindex.com/oshigata/okimitsu.jpg

@Jaron This seems to be the ONLY place i can find it now. I would call them directly to ensure they actually have it in stock. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/563685/the-connoisseurs-book-of-Japanese-swords-by-kokan-nagayama/9781568365817

@YOJIMBO The person above may be able to help you.

Congrats on your purchase! First, it can take up to 1 month to turn in the registration card and get clearance to ship. Next, shipping is getting better out of Japan, no that COVID restrictions are reducing. I would guess that shipping would be about 1 week...once they get clearance to ship. Personally, I would plan for about 4-5 weeks. I know it's like a kid waiting on a Christmas gift...just can't wait!!!!! Congrats again. Dan

If you have Facebook, reach out to Raymond Yan. He has lots of Nihonto parts for sale, and occasionally complete swords. He is also an avid collector of ancient Chinese swords and parts. He may be able to help you in your Chinese sword interests. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007267728197