Scogg

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

I’ll be at the show today in the later afternoon / early evening. Also going to be there tomorrow morning into the afternoon At the airport now waiting to board. Safe travels!

This is exciting! Glad to see some of y’all are in the area Would love to coordinate a meet-up sometime in the future. Where we can talk Nihonto, and maybe share some of our collections I’m getting married in 60 days, so Ill likely be swamped until then. But I’ll have a lot of free time come October Cheers! -Sam

Personally, Im not sure I could draw any conclusions about beauty from these photos. They look poorly focused, and with the oil-droplets, I can't really see anything worth noting I'm a firm believer that beauty is subjective. But in the world of Nihonto, it's my understanding, that beauty and quality often go hand-in-hand What makes a sword "beautiful" is up to the eye of the beholder, whereas what makes a sword "quality" seems to be generally agreed upon. The difference is "quality" is learned and recognized over time and study - and I imagine recognition of beauty will naturally follow For example. I think my out-of-polish swords are beautiful! I really enjoy studying them and appreciating them. I imagine, after a few more years of study and collecting, and seeing more swords, my opinion and tastes will change Just my observations/opinion

Looking forward to meeting you Brian, and seeing the items you're selling Unfortunately I wont have any time outside of the show. I'll be traveling with my Fiance' and we've got plans around the city during our downtime That being said, a large chunk of my time will be at the show viewing items! Cheers, -Sam

Ray, per usual, is on-point. His patience in the facebook groups continually impresses me Not gonna lie, I've certainly been a victim of beginner naivety. Luckily, thanks to the advice from ya'll on this forum and Ray on facebook, my current lack of knowledge hasn't gotten me into too much trouble

You've likely already seen these topics in the forum. But just incase, and for those who haven't, a fellow member has been sharing these great youtube videos of swords with a story https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45657-story-of-the-onimaru-kunitsuna-sword/ https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45678-the-sword-worth-a-country-the-ikkoku-kanemitsu/ https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/45668-honebami-tohshiro-bone-cutter/#comment-473327