Bob61

Hi Everyone I'm back with another question for this fantastic group of people and forum. I am asking today for anyone's help in valuing the attached aikuchi. (I have a suit of armour from the Hosokawa clan that matches, the fabric on the scabbard.) Both as the sword itself and hopefully some added idea of value, for it has appeared in the movie Shanghai Noon, filmed in Canada. I do know that it has Edo period fittings, and the blade has been cut down and is older. It is unsigned and unpapered and the scabbard is in somewhat of need of repair. I have no idea what the kozuka's values are either, so any information would be greatly appreciated as I have no idea and I would like to eventually post it here for sale in the near future. I have attached a google drive file with photos of the aikuchi, the suit of armour and a screenshot showing the knife as well as the contract. Thanks all. https://drive.google...qTwzm?usp=drive_link Cheers Bob

Hi Jean Thank you so much for all your help. Yes, I will research pricing as best as I can. I truly appreciate the help and when I am ready, I will start by posting them here. I am a little slow at it, but practice does make perfect! I'm hoping that you don't mind, but I may be bugging you for more information possibly in the near future. I have found this to be another area of Japanese collecting that, like everything else, when you collect these wonderful items, it can be quite detailed and extensive. With that said, I really appreciate your feedback. Thank you so much, I'm onwards and upwards. Cheers Bob

Hi Jean Thank you for the information. I have not received much back about these, so I truly appreciate your enlightenment on it. I will be offering them for sale when I can figure out a pricing on them. Is there any market right now for this type of item? Again, thanks for the help, it is much appreciated. Cheers Bob

Hi Sabiji Thank you for the prompt reply. I have learned a lot. I may get back to you, as I know nothing and I will have to research the terminology. I truly appreciate your help, you guys are fantastic. I have learned many things since I joined, it's been a great experience. As a layman, this has been quite difficult for me and your knowledge is truly appreciated. Keep up the good work. Cheers Bob

Hi Uwe Thank you for your message. You have made it so much easier, I really do appreciate it. I now have a basis on which I have a firm handle on what I have. This has been an endeavour that I have really be trying to get answers to for awhile. I never really thought of forums, only facebook (which was not informative at all). This forum, has been a great place. I love the professionalism of it and the intelligence of the contributors. I have a large collection of Japanese items, most of which I know little about. This was a inheritance from my wife's late husband, who was a avid collector of everything!! It has taken years to get here, so thank you ever so much for all your help. By the way, my neighbor's name is Uwe. He's a great person to. I understand what you are saying about purchasing more, as I am trying to downsize my collection. I just thought that since you had helped me so much, that it was only fair that you receive the first offer. I do have to research pricing, unless you could offer a reasonable estimate, as I'm sure you are aware, this has been part of the problem. I do have a sum in mind, but I'm a little hesitant as I do not want to be out of the ball park one way or another. I was thinking of posting it for sale on this forum or on E-Bay. I recently sold a Aikuchi on E-Bay, first one, was a little nervous, but things worked out well. So onwards upwards, so to speak. Thank you once again for your understanding and help. I can now properly list this item with a decent description, which is always important. Take care and keep up the great work!! Cheers Bob

Hi Jeremy Thank you for the reply. I am new to this and a little confused. Should I reach out to the two people that you mentioned, or will they be tagged to my post? Thanks for the help. Cheers, Bob

Hi Uwe Thank you ever so much for your very technical description. Much appreciated. My overall gist of it, is that it is a almost complete set of armour. I have attached a copy of photos that was not in the original post, the first is in reference to what you had stated about the lamellae. Yes, the armour plates under the armpits are made of iron with a coating. As I stated earlier, I am not sure if this suit had been restored or repaired, not since I have had it. The ue-kuma-ge comments are interesting. I have noticed that this is not common? I would love to see this piece restored to it's former glory. However, it is beyond my range at this time. I do need to sell this piece and I would prefer to not break it up. If you are interested in purchasing this piece, I am open to offers. Thank you once again for the help, it has been invaluable. This is a great forum with great people, who are extremely knowlegable and professional. (Image No 1453 and 1454. It would not allow me to upload any photos so I have attached it to the original google drive). https://drive.google...Vg3HNX3W?usp=sharing I look forward to hearing from you. Cheers, Bob

Hi Uwe Thank you for the information. From what I can ascertain, you feel that the suit is genuine and mostly complete? I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Yokohagi nimai-dô? Can you please tell me if the mon on the hand guard is from that clan? Or, does is not have any significance to it? I am having trouble finding anything with that particular design. I literally know nothing about this suit of armour and I truly appreciate your help and knowledge. Thank you, talk soon. Bob

Hello Everyone I have a question about the following collection of bows that I have in my possession. I am hoping someone can give me a little information on the age and identification? Any information is greatly appreciated. I have attached close-ups of both the bow and the arrows. Thank you very much. The length of the bows are as follows 1. Case 19" L x 5.5" W 2. Red/Black bow - 56"L 3. Wood bow - 46"L 4. Light red w/wrap 74"L Cheers, Bob https://drive.google...uoHOLUH7?usp=sharing

Hi Uwe Yes, I took a good look and very gently attacked! Thank you so much, I am looking forward to hearing your response. I will ask the swords guys here about the tanto. Have a great time and we will hopefully talk soon. Cheers Bob

Hello Gentleman I have now taken a number of photos for your reference on the Iyozane suit of armour? As well as, the tanto. Any thoughts as well as a estimate of value would be greatly appreciated everyone. Thanks for all the help. Cheers, Bob https://drive.google...Vg3HNX3W?usp=sharing https://drive.google...Jz25Q5JY?usp=sharing

Hi Uwe Thank you so much for the prompt reply. I understand what you are saying about the tanto. Just wondering (the fabric is what got me). No problem. I have posted more photos and you will see my response, I am not good at this. So please be patient. Can you please provide more guidance on how to safely disassemble the piece, so I can send you the proper photos. Thanks. Bob

Hello Gentleman Thank you for the information on identification. The suit of armour sits on a wooden stand and I have never taken it apart due to fragility and age. I am attaching a couple more photos of the suit for upon inspection, I noted that it is hinged on one side. Can you possibly give me some advice as to the best way to disassemble it and I will gladly provide detailed photos of each individual piece. In my original post, if you will note, I held up a tanto scabbard with the matching fabric, which is unusual, is it not? My question was with regards to this, is, this particular tanto was used in the movie, Shanghai Nights, featuring Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson and Lucy Liu. I am wondering if it would sell better as a matching set? What do you guys think? The only reason for this thought, was that the fabric matched. Just wondering. Please be patient with me, I am not computer literate and am having some troubles uploading multiple photos can anyone explain what I am doing wrong? Or can I attach via a link on google drive? Cheers and much thanks Bob

Hello Everyone I am asking for any help with identification on this suit of armour. It has been in the family forever and I am not sure where or when purchased. I have a tanto or aikuchi that matches the fabric and am now at a quandry. Meaning it appears to have the same fabric (or was this a common fabric that was used for the period). I know the sword fittings are 19th century but the blade is apparently 15th century. Any information is greatly appreciated. Thank you to all and cheers! Bob

Hello Everyone A great thank you to all that have helped me with this sword. I am happy to announce that it was sold on E-Bay for a great price. It could not have been done without this great forum! Bob

Hello Piers D Thanks for the information. I am new to all of this, so no, I have not considered him. I will look into this further though. Thank you so much for the help.

Hello Everyone I am hoping that someone can translate the signature on this Kozuka. Thank you once again for your assistance. Bob

Hi Guys Thank you very much for the advice. I totally agree. Take a look at these, I think there much better. The rabbit tsuba, is quite a good piece, the moon looks gold, but is actually silver. I believe the insert is copper or brass, the rabbits eyes of course, are gold, and there are fleks of gold throughout the piece. The ant tsuba, is not a modern reproduction, I'm thinking it is hammered brass, there are quite a bit of gold flecking as well. Hopefully these pictures can clarify a bit more. For information the Ant tsuba measures 9cm L x 8.5cm W, Weighs 134grams Rabbit tsuba measures 8.5cm L x 8cm W, Weighs 151grams Bob

Hello For your consideration and with much help and appreciation from a long time forum member, who has helped me on every aspect. I present, for sale, on behalf of the estate of collector, Professor George Stawn, who was a collector of swords mainly purchased thru the Tampa Sword show and of the well known collector, Bob Lightner. A wakizashi, Soshu Ju Yasutsugu, Muromachi era. With these kanji listed in Hawley as having worked in Sagam (Soshu) in 1504, 15 points. Presented in a deer hair scabbard with decent mounts, the blade is in good condition and in good polish. Complete with two sets of papers one from NBTHK and the other not. These photos are current as of this week and as there are a number of photos, I have attached a google drive link for viewing. For this beautiful piece I am asking $6,000.00 USD. Thank you Bob Rae https://drive.google...lg04JxZi?usp=sharing https://drive.google...KTQeSzDGrBBF5ZpDQsnv

Hi All I'm hoping someone can give me some information on these tsuba and also potentially what I should approximately be asking when I sell them? Thanks Bob

Hello Everyone I would just like to say that I have thoroughly enjoyed this forum. I appreciate the professionalism that has been continuously displayed. As a newbie, I truly respect that. Today, I am offering a mumei Aikuchi in high polish with a nice, dragon horimono, signed mounts (unresearched) and possible baleen wrapped handle. Based on the shape of the tang, it is more than likely Kaga School and has spectacular Edo dress and tracing papers. The length of the blade is 27.5cm. This is a truly spectacular piece with historical documentation. Available for sale here first. A great research project! Priced at $5,500.00 USD (willing to some negotiation). Please feel free to let me know if something is missing. I am a first timer. Thanks everyone! Bob

Hi All I'm back once again to this great and educational forum to ask, once again, for some help with identifying an object and hopefully some translation help. Attached are photos of a pewter, serving dish? I'm unsure of exact age or really anything else. I'm here again, because this has been such a positive experience and a valuable one. Thanks everyone!!

Thank you ever so much for your great reply. I completely understand. This has been a informative, positive experience and a great forum. It has been professional and educational and is appreciated by someone who really is looking for answers and wants to learn. Great job. Thanks!!

Thank you for your reply. I truly appreciate it. I am dealing with a number of swords, some papered, some not. I was under the impression that these papers belonged with this particular tanto. Upon further inspection of the scabbard, I noticed that the fuchigashira was signed. Could you possibly translate this for me? Also, in response to your first answer, what does "not authentic example by smith" mean? I am new to this, so please bear with me.