mdiddy

I really enjoyed helping Matt with this piece (thank you Matt for the shout out!). It is a fantastic example of a short gunto, from the Plimpton collection, with interesting provenance that Matt has pointed out. I think Maj. Kowada would have appreciated the Kanefusa in those mounts. A very fine example, cheers!

This is terrible news. My condolences to his family. I met him once at the SF show and he was super kind and generous to share some really unbelievable swords with me, but especially he shared his time and knowledge which was more precious. He will be sorely missed.

Hey Brian - yes, absolutely, I agree that's a great idea. I will PM you for directions on how to set it up. Thanks for your consideration.

Just a quick update, I put out another batch of 8 swords in the For Sale section. I have another couple batches to go and soon will be sharing some of the fine tachis from the collection including coronation tachis, et al.

Just want to share a quick update that I posted another batch of swords from the Plimpton collection here. I will be putting more too in the coming days. Thanks for looking!

It's back up on Facebook if you want to see more photos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/255263006217/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=10158473800406218

Yes, I can confirm that is correct. The serial number is 871.

Thanks everyone for the interest and the comments, really appreciate the support. Just want to give a quick update that I listed the first batch of 9 swords for sale here. Please check them out and let me know if you have any questions, happy to help.

I can confirm that the saya is matching. Will see if I can get a photo of the drag.

This sword came from a 50 year collection, one of the top collections of Japanese military swords out there. The collector is very knowledgeable and experienced, and over 50 years pretty much saw the best of what was available, upgrading over time, and ended up with either the rarest variations or best conditioned examples. If you had 50 years to handle these swords, particularly when there were tens of thousands of swords surfacing in the U.S., I don't think it's unreasonable to end up with a pristine example such as this one.

I am biased because I have held this sword in my hand. It's incredible, perfect minty example, low number. Probably the best early copper nco I have seen. It is also set to be published in an upcoming book (see here for some details). It's the exact sword from the book.

I am very happy to share that my ebay store Sohei Swords in conjunction with Eric’s Ericowazamono will be helping to handle the sale of the John Plimpton Collection of Japanese Military and Civil Swords. His collection, assembled over 50 years and through the heyday of the post-war Japanese sword hunt in the U.S., features some of the finest and rarest versions of Japanese military related swords. The collection spans the earliest days of the Meiji era, including some very rare early Meiji naval and cavalry swords, all the way to the last days of World War 2 and ‘last-ditch’ items. There are Onshi imperial gifts, coronation tachis, imperial household swords, general grade swords, railway swords, and everything in between. John has painstakingly catalogued his collection as the backbone of his upcoming book Guide to Imperial Japanese Military and Civil Swords, 1873-1945. Information on the book can be found here. The book is on track to be published next year and we are excited to keep the forum informed of its progress. We will be offering swords that are featured and published in the book, but we hope this thread can be used for discussion of any of the items. I will start separate threads in the Sales section as we list items, providing details and prices. Some of the highlights include General-grade swords with tortoise-shell tsukas, nihontos mounted in court koshirae, and even an Onshi imperial gift Yasukunito. Attached are a few excerpts from the book highlighting some of the swords he collected. We expect to release items over time once pictures and descriptions are prepared. But we are very excited to begin sharing these swords with the forum and invite your discussion. Feel free to comment or ask questions. I can also be reached privately via PM or at soheiswords@gmail.com. Thanks for your consideration. Matt

Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry to hear this. I had some good exchanges with Larry at the shows in Minneapolis and Chicago. He always had a good story, 'talked big', and would give you a great deal on a sword as long as the last negotiation was on his terms. He will be missed.

500 years from now, they'll look at this and still be shocked at how awful the forger was

Congrats to the buyer!

Mei: Suke___ (not sure about the 2nd kanji, 'Hiro' or 'Sada' possibly) Nengo: Showa Jyu Hachi Nen Jyu Ni Gatsu (December 1943)

Hello Andrew, Proceed carefully, that koshirae has problems. It is missing the ishizuke endcap, probably missing seppas because the tsuba is clearly loose, and the saya has been painted gold (ouch!). Given the lack of activity in the hamon, it is probably an etched hamon and not a real hamon. I agree with Grey too that we really can't tell you more unless we see the nakago (tang). This is the Shin Gunto you want in your collection if you are on a budget, like $500 or $600. Good luck!

I'm very sad to hear that Paul has passed. I really enjoyed my conversations with him at sword shows. He was extremely knowledgeable and happy to share with others what he knew. He always had that extra nugget of really good insight about a sword that you had overlooked. He will be sorely missed.

I think you did ok on this one. The sword looks older to me, maybe Shinto ca. 1600's given the straighter sori. The hamon reminds me of Koto so maybe even older, also given it could be o-suriage. Very nice condition mounts with the family mon too. A pretty good deal at $1200 imo.

Emura and his shop worked in a number of styles. They are underrated in my opinion. Here are pictures of one that I will not have for much longer, but has a big choji gunome hamon.

I do. Katana, wakizashi, and tanto by Chounsai Tsunatoshi. Bonus, check out all of the doranba!

Seki Kanenobu

Thank you for your consideration. I am open to the moderator’s discretion and decision. I’m happy if any of my swords are used to further everyone’s understanding of these fascinating items.

It spent time in the presence of Emperor Showa. There is no activity, the blade is arsenal made. It was not intended to have hamon and hada. Not all high level military or political mounted blades have signed nihonto. Even Emperor Showa carried a parade saber which I doubt contained Ichimonji Norifusa, Gassan Sadakatsu, or even Seki Kanenori.

There is also uniqueness in the designs on the saya furniture. IF you’re in it for pretty things, the Meiji export tsuba stand is right around the corner. BUT, if you want to collect something of historical significance, which would you prefer: the possession of a hospital bureaucrat or an item that spent time in the presence of the pinnacle of power? Tough call I suppose…