Scogg

On that type 95, there appears to be a stamp, maybe Seki?, right behind the bohi. Never seen that before on the blade, but i'm no NCO guy I agree that it doesn't look right. To my novice eyes Edit: The older blade in type94 fittings, from the original post looks interesting. I'm an Ebay seller of comics and collectables, and Ebay still makes me nervous when it comes to antiques. Best of luck, -Sam

It's tough to get a good eye on it. Any chance on getting a more clear image? Here's my shot-in-the-dark guess: Two Samurai in armor jumping from boat to boat over waves. One with a naginata, and one with a sword

I think they look great! I’ve enjoyed watching the progress on IG Honestly, going in blind, I don’t think I would clock them as modern. I like the reserved style of both, and especially the radiating lines on the 2nd one. They don’t look plain to me I like to say “less is more”, and I think you’ve captured that idea with class and skill Well done!

I've decided to save my money for Blades and/or Tosogu, where my current interests are. A fellow forum member reached out, and is looking for something like this. I am hoping they are able to purchase the set, and save it from the antique store shelves. Getting it into the collection of someone who will appreciate it - is a win for me! Thanks again everyone! I'll be spending my day on that Bonhams website, Cheers, -Sam

Thank you Colin, and everyone! Every time I go antiquing, and find something Japanese that's listed as a "samurai" item, it's either extremely over priced, or extremely underpriced. I had my hopes up that this might be one of those underpriced items. Maybe next time! Thanks again! Cheers, -Sam

Thank you. Next time I stop in, I will ask to view it outside the case, look for a signature, and get some better photos

Not sure if this is the right subforum or not. Please move if I’m in the wrong place This set of saddle and stirrups have been at a local antique store for about a year now. I take a look at them every time I visit, but they are behind glass Any thoughts on age, quality, or authenticity? Cheers, -Sam

I can't tell if that's damage or ware on the saya, or the depiction of a Native American arrowhead? I think my eyes are playing tricks on me Carry on, -Sam

I agree, I just hope it’s not too pitted, or tired Whatever the togishi can tell me about it will be a big learning experience for me too. He helped me years ago with my inherited sword, and I’m still grateful for that As always, I appreciate your input! I’ll let you know how it goes, and hoping for the best, -Sam

Oops, my misunderstanding, You are probably right! I am looking forward to hearing what the Togishi has to say about it. Even if it's nothing special, it's been a helpful and interesting study tool for newbie like me

Thank you Stephen! The saya definitely needs some work. I find it strange that the hanger implies the blade being worn blade-down on such a short sword. I’ve let this blade intrigue me enough to send it to a Togishi. It’s in the mail now Ill let you know what the togishi says. I am cautiously hoping that it’s worth a restoration and I can experience bringing a sword back to life. If not, it will live in my collection and be admired for what it is here’s a link to my other post with more blade photos cheers, -Sam

Thank you for clarifying. That makes a lot more sense Now I understand Michaels comment a lot more too. I had blinders on, and was thinking of “The” Masamune, and didn’t consider others using the same mei

I know several Masamune swords exist, but I thought the “hanjo masamune” was a specific sword. Am I incorrect in that? Is it true that no existing signed Masamune works exist? All mumei? Diving into the pdf Ray shared now

I think it's likely that he was messing with you, or maybe being sarcastic. I imagine it would be international news if the Hanjo Masamune were found Do you have any photos?

While I certainly can't fathom the price tag (even more than the Juyo Awataguchi!) But pictures of this tsuba really don't do it justice. The fine detail, color, and condition really stood-out in person I didn't handle it, because of fear ; but it was a really fabulous item If only I could win the lottery...

It means the signature is likely fake. The sword appears to be genuine. Often times, a sword would be given a fake signature in an attempt to increase it's value or provenance. Unfortunately it's fairly common to find a fake signature For what it's worth: mei = signature gimei = fake signature mumei = no signature Best of luck, -Sam

If you're referring to the appearance of the Nakago - between the first photos and the last photo.. I don't believe it has been cleaned. I think its just the lighting. The first photos had less brilliant light than the last couple photos, making it look a bit different Best of luck Jeff, it's a cool little Tanto! I hope you find the answers you're looking for, Cheers, -Sam

Likewise! Great meeting you I hope to attend next year also. Maybe i'll get to meet some more members then -Sam

Really well done Chris! I'm excited to see your progress from here. Also, great meeting you in SF Taking photos is challenging. Yours look great! Even the more "simple" shots I really struggle with, with my rudimentary setup. Who knew getting into Nihonto would subsequently get me interested in photography

Here’s an interesting story featuring a blade https://ktvl.com/new...r-wilderness-respect

I still haven’t found the perfect tsuba in my budget, but I found one that’s a much better place-holder, in my opinion. Obviously not perfect, but it fits much better, and I like the size of it more. I like how the negative space easily allows you to see the fuchi from more angles

I had a blast! I found a few that would have been perfect, but unfortunately, with my wedding on the horizon, they were outside my budget Although I was able to meet Brian (don’t know spelling on last name) who makes shirasaya near me. So I might go that route, and afterward send my blade to a togishi for evaluation. I can worry about the matching tsuba later, when I know a bit more about the blade Until then, I’m happy to keep shopping around! Coincidentally I’ve developed a liking to Kirimon

I must say the show was really amazing. Such incredible collections of all types and qualities. I felt especially privileged to see everything on Fred Weissbergs table - the Juyo Awataguchi was a highlight to see in person. Fred was also especially kind, even to a newbie like me Im mostly full of hyperbole right now, but it was all very overwhelming and amazing to attend! I saw more swords in the last two days than my entire life beforehand I did not take many photos. I didn’t want to be the young guy in the room glued to his phone. But here’s a few of my favorites. The last couple tsuba I purchased. Hopefully next year I have a bigger budget and can take a blade home! ps. If you ever attend, definitely stay at the Marriott above the event. I stayed at the Hyatt nearby, and there was a 1000 person Swingdancing event hosted the same weekend at the Hyatt

I had a blast walking around and viewing items yesterday. It was overwhelming seeing so much at once! I saw more Nihonto related items yesterday, than I had my entire life beforehand. I hope to take a little more time and “take it in” today Where is your booth located Brian? I’ll be in there today around opening. I’ll be wearing an army green cap and a green/brown flannel button-up. I’ll be one of the younger attendees. If you see me, feel free to say hello! And that goes for any other NMB member as well. It’s been great meeting people and seeing such incredible collections