Lee997

Just spotted this and initially thought it was a modern take on a Japanese sword however description states otherwise. I’ve personally not seen such a sword before. Thought all Tsuka were woven or in military format metal?

many thanks for taking the time to reply in such detail, it’s very much appreciated and very informative, I’ll certainly take a lot out of your reply. rgds, Lee

I’ve just received my 1st Tsuba and the seller was kind enough to include a piece of ivory and some cleaning tips and a link to Jim Gilbert’s guide. I’ve worked with metal most of my life having been an engineer but never attempted cleaning or restoration at such a careful level. this afternoon I’ve sat and rubbed away at a small spot as a test and although I can see orange dust coming away ( which of course means rust is being removed) but after a period of rubbing then cleaning with a cloth it doesn’t look a great deal different? I don’t expect instant results but am I doing the right thing simply rubbing with the edge of the Veneer of ivory ( in a scrapping motion on the surface of the Tsuba) ? also Jim Gilbert’s guide recommends boiling in water to clean, this Tsuba has the remains of gold patterns around the edge, ( which all seems very well attached) could this be damaged in any boiling water treatment ?

Thankyou for the info, just tried RM and would you believe it? Still doesn’t explain why it’s still not got here?

I think your probably correct. I had quietly hoped it would have turned up by now, I’ll see if I can find a number tomorrow! Problem is my German is far from fluent so that may pose an issue, looking at DHL UK there claiming it hasn’t arrived yet and are going to simply say there’s nothing they can do.

I’d agree entirely only I buy and sell records and this hasn’t happened to any of those! Brexit certainly caused some ripples but apart from changing a few rules ect it’s business as usual albeit a little more expensive.

So 1st, this is not about disbelieving or distrusting a seller, on the contrary I have no doubts in that area. ( just wanted that aspect eliminated). so around a month ago I had several communications with a Tsuba collector / dealer on this group, he was very helpful in answering my questions and helping me choose my 1st Tsuba from his collection. ( intending it to be a Christmas present to myself that my children were buying for me). promptly I received proof of posting with a DHL tracking number along with photos of the package. a few days latter I checked with the courier DHL website to find it was in their system and on-route originally posted on the 24/11/22. the German DHL site shows extensive route check off points but the train ends on the 1/12/22 stating on route to destination countries counterpart. that is the last entry and nothing since! I have used the link on the site to request help which has not yet been answered. I’ve discussed with the seller who I has been as reasonable as can be expected with the suggestion of worse case scenario he will give me a refund, at the moment we have simply mutually agreed to wait a little longer in hope it will turn up. now the obvious, yes there have been Royal Mail strikes covering no more than a couple of days here and there, DHL actually show a graphic on there site showing destination country ( here in the UK ) are experiencing strikes, quite how Royal Mail strikes effect DHL I’m not sure ? so I’m at a loss now other than to accept a refund quite what else I can do as I’m getting no response from DHL. has anyone experienced similar? How long would you expect to wait for a delivery from Germany to UK ? any comments ?

I recently had a luck haul from a military dealer who was selling a bundle of 5 books inc- the connoisseurs book and the facts and fundamentals for a little bit under £200 the rest I had from years gone by. So they are out there at reasonable prices you’ve just got to look. as others have said the “The Samurai sword, a handbook “ Is a very easy read and cheap.

Stefan I think you also have to factor in the very volatile situation we find ourselves in in the UK at the moment. What with increasing prices, rent / rates / mortgages and overall increase in cost of living equals a very uncertain future and tji# in turn mens people are far less likely to be willing to pay out on no essential luxury items! ( of course swords are essential to me, but I’m the exception)! 😜 good luck, it’s a beautiful sword.

Lovely blade Stefan. Would certainly ,ale a very nice 1st blade for me but unfortunately it’s a little more than I’d want to pay out right now. And would probably be a lot easier to get into the Uk than it is from the US or Aus as they all seem to be located? Lee.

Sadly I was out of the country, did anyone go?

Beautiful example.

Hey Colin, do we live in the same village? As I too live in a small village in east Anglia, what’s the chances? 🤣 Lee.

Thankyou, sadly I’m away on 5his date as I had seen it previously.

Colin thankyou for taking the time to write up this lengthy and helpful reply. I completely agree with everything you have said. I’ve attended one small To-Ken meeting and look forward to the next hopefully bigger with more members present. Certainly found the 1st meeting I went to very rewarding. absolutely yes I need to study and learn more, so I’ll continue with my apprenticeship and bide my time looking at the auctions and military shops. I had already thought about military fairs but like you say, there not what they used to be? Rgds Lee.

I appreciate your thoughts Brian and I know that make sense. I’m keeping an eye out for any military fairs! Don’t know of any dealers other than what I’ve found on the internet and certainly wouldn’t know if they were reputable or not? I’ve spent the last 6-months year reading books I’ve recently acquired and my knowledge has increased on what it was however it’s not enough to feel confident to assess myself. I felt that this item at auction looks in great shape and is at least verifiable as what they say it is so figured it would be a good starting point! Lee.

Thanks David, I have joined the To-Ken society, been to one small meeting but yet to meet at any reasonable gathering! I don’t know Steve ( swords) so don’t know what he’s been doing ?

Now that’s a book case?

I don’t want to make a costly mistake but thought this looked good for the price. I’d like to handle before buying but where do you do that ?

Believe it or not David I already have. I’m out here on my own, with 25 yrs of on and off interest I’m keen ( maybe to keen) to own something nice before they all become unobtainable due to price increase! This looks very nice to me! Here in the Uk I don’t know where one would go to handle look at pieces? Rgds Lee.

Thankyou for all your responses and lots of useful information to digest! The imperfections would certainly account for th3 low estimate of £200-£300. it did cross my mind that even with the faults, if it can be had for a low price it could be worthwhile as an object to study? Lee.

Found this on an auction site, looks a very nice piece and is estimated at £1000-£1500. Looks good for the money would you agree? would very much appreciate opinions? Lee

More pictures hoping for better quality but I think their to big to load ?

Thanks Grey and now I shall chastise myself for such a weak effort of identifying a time period? Unfortunately my memory is not very good at all and although I’m studying swords regularly small details still elude me. I am grateful for your reply, and at least it would appear they are accurate with their appraisal? I’ll see if I can post a better picture, not sure about picture upload sizes? Rgds Lee.