Winchester

OP, I will provide feedback that as a newer collector of about 3-4 years, I learn far more by networking, going to shows and watching what few, quality, videos I can find online. While I study daily, there is no replacement in my limited experience to talking in person to experts and collectors or a few days at a show. In summary, I echo the advice to review pieces in hand and ask questions. I will note that as you continue to dive deeper in your understanding, the art becomes more impactful and rewarding.

The o-kissaki is impressive in the photos. Thank you for sharing.

Not really sure how to run an acid test on this without marking it up good. Hmmmm... Doesn't really matter to me, but I would like to be accurate.

Thank you, Franco. Regarding it being solid, I am just referring to the goat. I'll test it this weekend if I have a chance.

I should add that i tested it with a magnet and it was not magnetic; have not performed a gold test, but feel confident. Will check when I have the time. Thank you for allowing me to share and any thoughts/feedback you may have.

Recently picked this up and thought it was cool. I believe this is a goat; solid gold; very fine lines/engraving that are hard to capture in the photo. Thoughts on meaning or interpretation? I am guessing it has to do with the Chinese Zodiac? Thanks in advance

Alex, that is true from the materials I have read.

Hi John, On the first tsuba, it almost appears that the eyes are not gilt; rather, that they are brass. Probably just my interpretation of the photo. Very cool and thanks for sharing!

Stephen brought up a good idea. If you are able to make it to the Orlando show this summer, you could start the process there and would presumably not need to send it abroad.

Andrew, this sword is a stunner and the history documented on the holster; truly remarkable. Please continue to ask any and all questions you may have here. Ignore any offers or requests that you may receive online or in person, not that it is for sale, but if you are seeking info. online, there is always a chance that someone will try to make you an offer that may sound good, but nowhere near its' worth. Thank you for sharing.

Hi Stephen, That's cool. You certainly have an eye for these. Someone could quickly scroll past this one and not appreciate the subtleties. Good call on not bidding too, if you are starting to feel that way. Sometimes it is meant to be and other times, not. But, Hey, you got that one copper tsuba not too long ago that was a stunner! Bring that out and study for a while (Yahoo Japan I think???).

Congrats, Brian and what a story and memento from your trip!!! What are the odds, right? Cool.

Very curious for Steve's response in order that I may learn more. I am a novice collector and my initial thoughts were consistent with Grey's. That's the great thing about this hobby, though--always learning.

Stunning. Thank you for sharing! I saw a similar one for sale in Japan recently for around $4,000.00 USD if I remember correctly.

Thank you for sharing, Peter. is it about the size of a table lamp?

Thank you for the updates and sharing the photos; it's nice to put a name to a face. If things go according to plan and trust they will, I'll be at Chicago in April and Orlando in June. Best regards, Brian

Good morning Stephen, Hope you’re having a peaceful Sunday. I have ran into this a couple times over the past year or so, as well. While I do not typically buy on auction sites in Japan or eBay, I have also encountered where I bid—with a few days remaining—no activity and then at the last minute, there is a flurry of activity driving the price up considerably from buyers with no or very little past purchase/buying history/seller ratings….. A part of me thinks they are shill bidding…but in good faith just keep on rolling.

For what it's worth, I think it's cool. Thank you for sharing... I view tsuba in this fashion as an art/collectible, for viewing, enjoying, and just fun. Not a Michael Jordan Rookie card (as an analogy), but fun to enjoy and that's the important part. Congrats!

I am not sure if this helps; however, I am a bit conflicted. I like it as art, but not as a tsuba. It would take me some getting used to; but this is purely my opinion and subjective.

I have not seen the design, previously. However, I am a new (3 years) collector and I am not an expert.

Mr. BIG, Hope all is well. Do you have a link for the original 36 designs for the yagyu? Thank you in advance. Best regards, Brian

Posting to follow and update when I have a chance. I have an old koto blade that I believe was a tachi originally that has a very clear and distinct impact from another sword on the back on the blade. It has had many polishes over the years but each time they kept this intact. I believe 1300s Ietsugu.

Hi Dan, Thank you for your kind note. It is a subtle appreciation I have for this tsuka, in person the detail is a bit more fine, but I think overall (at best) it is a modest to low/mid-level quality, but that doesn't matter too much to me as I personally enjoy it. Just trying to learn more about the time period, signature, and so on. Best to you in collecting and enjoy--been reading your posts too and glad you found a hobby you are excited about. I find it peaceful and enjoyable. Brian

In reviewing a tsuba with a moon theme for Stephen’s post, this F/K, Menuki and tsuka handle were all together when I purchased and am wondering if folks would kindly share their thoughts and feedback. Still getting better on my photography skills but have a long way to go! Thank you in advance.

Hey Stephen, Hope you are well and looking forward to the new year; happy new years eve! Still working on my photography skills or lack thereof...I checked and this is the only one I have in my collection: