Scogg

Hi Tristan, Your photos are good for identification, and thank you for sharing your sword with us! Unfortunately, there's no signature or stamps to make ID easier. You sword appears to be a wartime manufacture Type 98 ShinGunto with leather saya cover. I suspect it's a non-traditionally made SHOWATO rather than a traditionally made GENDAITO. Seki made is believable, to me. The tang (nakago) is original length (UBU), and it's unsigned (mumei). Hopefully more people render their opinions to confirm or deny my suspicions. Interested to hear what others think, -Sam

It’s a good question, and the rectangular nakago ana raises more questions. My first impression was that it was hand forged. After reading others opinions I’m not so sure now. A part of the reason I want to keep my tsuba collection minimal is because I’m often reminded how little I know about tsuba All the best, -Sam

Just a collector of stuff that I like. Trying to keep my Tosogu collection very minimal at the moment. Lets not derail this thread

Dan, please consider the possibility that the date on the tsuba is not honest - especially likely if it happens to be cast.

Thanks Chandler! Next time you're around, let me know and I'll treat you to lunch! I will soon be looking for images for the club website. If anyone has any high definition images/photographs of their collection, I'd love to include them! I am particularly interested in rain dragon depictions on tosogu and also anything with rain, mountains, or nature themes. I'd rather use images that were donated to me for the site, rather than pulling them from random places on the internet. If anyone has any good ones, please PM me! All the best, -Sam

Recently a video was shared by @Lewis B, that shows a modern swordsmith using pieces of broken old blades in his smithing. Timestamp @ 11:15 you can see that part https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/51569-another-fascinating-and-informative-hok-video-on-nihonto-blade-making/#comment-538926

Thank you David! I'll reach out in a while for some contacts. The hotel meeting room seems to be the most realistic option. I share your feelings toward facebook This project is still very much on my radar. Unfortunately I just entered the busy season at my work, so it's been slow-going. I hope to create a website, and reach out to local collectors before the end of the year. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Cheers, -Sam

I agree, I don't personally see evidence of suriage with the provided images. Looks a little machi-okuri, though. My kantei still needs some work, but your swords sugata and kissaki remind me a lot of a wakizashi that I have from around the early 1500s. My best guess would be Muromachi. All the best, -Sam

I like the strong box theory, as my first thought was the little strongbox on a lot of Japanese Tansu (Dansu?). The 'rivets' on each corner definitely scream metalworking, like George said. Reminds me a lot of the metal trim on these cabinets. Interesting design, and while it reminds me most of a Tansu, no image I can find fits in a satisfying way... Cheers, -Sam

A properly and well fitted Japanese sword will require no such things. Craftsmen make the fittings to fit perfectly. In battle, you wouldn’t want things slipping or rattling around, so the fit is important. With time and changes in humidity and climate, wooden components can shrink or swell. When this occurs, sometimes the paper shims helps the fit. Also, when people piece together swords from non original parts, sometimes you can find these types of things. Probably some other scenarios in play too, that I have not considered. Hope that makes sense. -Sam

Any of the dealers from this website are trustworthy, and have good authentic items. https://swordsofjapan.com/ is Ray's website. He's got some awesome swords on there. If I had that much to spend right now, I'd snag that Tokubetsu Hozon papered Ko-Naminohira. I still highly recommend doing some studying first though. And Colin's advice of going to shows is great! There is one comming up in Chicago, and also Orlando. Another in San Fransisco early August. http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ https://orlandoswordshow.com/ http://www.ncjsc.org/SF_token_kai.htm All the best, -Sam Edit: Incase you attend a show, this is really important info: https://swordsofjapan.com/nihonto-library/nbthk-etiquette/

Agreed with Colin and Brian. It's a real nihonto... But I would heavily consider doing some research before spending 2k on a sword. You could buy this sword, and it will likely inspire a lot of research and learning for you, but after some time and some learning, you will likely become disappointed with it's current condition. For that money you could find a much better "starter" sword, in my opinion. I'd recommend buying the books: Connoisseur's book of Japanese swords by Nagayama Also good for beginners: The Japanese Sword by Kanzan Sato (this was the first book that I started with) Also, take a look at the forums awesome FAQ section, it's a great place to start: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/faq/ Great link for spotting fakes: https://www.jssus.org/nkp/fake_japanese_swords.html All the best and good luck, Welcome to the forum! -Sam

The lines are really straight and long. I’m inclined to agree with Thomas, that it’s something with the saya Could it simply be from improper drawing of the blade from the saya on its side? Rather than drawing it along the mune? The koiguchi wouldn’t necessarily show wear if it’s just being drawn for show and tell. -Sam

I think it says: Noshu Kanetoshi Saku Looks like a small braided strap affixed to a brass loop that has three braided strings to three braided orbs. I have also never seen anything like it, and I imagine it will be tricky to identify How strange! -Sam

Some of those premier auction houses bring crazy premium prices that would surprise most in the respective collecting community. Bonhams and Sotheby's not only draw in nihonto collectors, but also the ultra wealthy art collectors, who will pay big money for what they want. Like Lonely Planet says. Cheers, -Sam

Much appreciated Ray! The owner will be excited to have it translated. All the best, -Sam

Another militaria show, and another sword. I was hoping for help translating this one. The owner has had it for a while and it’s in WW2 fittings. He sent me these photos. I hope they are legible enough. All the best, -Sam

Thanks guys! I find it really fascinating that they repurposed these sam browne belts, but it makes total sense. Mine seems nicely made; they must have recognized the quality at the time. What I initially thought was a let-down, ended up telling a really interesting story. Thank you everyone! Cheers, -Sam

Hi @JRB387 Vertical like the photo below, with tip (kissaki) north and tang (nakago) south. Best of luck, -Sam

That looks just like it, thank you! Bummer not Japanese, but at least I know what it is! Much appreciated, Cheers, -Sam

Dimensions: ~48 inches long (~122 cm) ~2.25 inches wide (~5.7 cm)

Today at a gun show I found this belt. Or I should say, it found me. A seller flagged me down and asked if I knew anything about it. After explaining that I don’t really, I took a gamble and bought it for $50. I cannot find it in my books, or anything that matches nicely. The photos below are with my hanger change and 95 - for scale and reference. I attempted translation of the characters and have a potential match to occupied Vietnam? I can’t figure it out, what do y’all think? Japanese? Repro/genuine? What did I buy? Cheers, -Sam

My copy arrived today also, and I’ve already begun reading it. I’ve been waiting and wanting a book like this for a long time! I’m only through the Senjuin chapter, but so far it is refreshingly on my level of understanding. It’s really well written and spells out some of the things my other books assume I already know; or aren’t advanced enough to broach. Very happy to have picked this one up! Looking forward to the bonus chapter about identifying sai-ha. Highly recommended, -Sam

Wow, that sounds like a really worthwhile, and helpful project. I haven't had the opportunity to read your first article yet, but just scrolling through and seeing the photography has me very excited! Thank you so much for putting this together; and please extend our thanks to Ted and Markus if the opportunity arrises. Cheers, -Sam

I think that's meant to be the "tie" for the sword bag Although, I've seen those "ties" added to swords as psuedo tassels before. Cheers, -Sam