John C

Hello everyone: As many know, swordsmiths change their mei for a variety of reasons over time. RJT smith Kanehide was no exception. But since there has been no readily available study on these changes, I've compiled as many examples of Kanehide's mei as I could find - 76 to be exact. That's not to say there aren't others, however I believe the sample is large enough to paint a definitive picture of his changes and when those changes took place. I'm including the first two pages of the study here in (low res format) for those interested in just the conclusion. The entire study, which includes an extended biographical background and all of the collected samples plus references, has been submitted to Brian for approval and inclusion in the downloads. In the meantime, if you are a fan of Kanehide, have a general interest in RJT smiths, or are just interested in smith mei changes, please enjoy the short read. Respectfully, John C.

Thank you, Mal. That helps. I can eliminate a particular year as a possibility. The hanko came as part of a yatate so I suppose it was either a nickname of the user or possibly he was a stable accountant. John C.

Just to add another source for history, nomenclature, and school info. A JSSUS article written by Tomo Watanabe: http://www.jssus.org specifically, scroll down to the the 1979 Bulletin. John C.

Mal: I'm just curious about the difference between 午 and 馬. I believe they are both Uma. I ask because I have a hanko with the second character on it and I'm trying to figure out if it is a nickname, profession, or whatever. John C.

The article focuses on zunari jingasa, or head-shaped (what I have seen referred to as bajo). I have one in my collection I bought from a member of this board. John C.

Ron: I had been looking for the same issue for a long time as I too collect jingasa. The issue has a 10 page article on them. There is an ebay auction with 4 issues that includes #47. It's a hefty price if you only need that issue, but here it is anyway. https://www.ebay.com/itm/177674246637? John C.

Nazar: Maybe a cut down type 30 with a paratrooper scabbard (see scabbard below)? John C.

Josh: Take a look at the pommel just under the locking lug slot. You should see a serial number there, which are sometimes very faint or covered in rust/grime. John C.

Thanks, Piers. I knew we had foot-powered lathes here for quite some time, however I was not sure about Japan. John C.

Guys: This one is listed as a powder flask, however it looks at bit new to me. Seems to be lathe turned and I'm not sure how long that has been around in Japan. Thoughts? https://www.ebay.com/itm/358059791965? John C.

David: I'll take the easy one - the stamp is the Gifu (Gi in sakura). John C.

And for some reason, the tsuba on these fakes do not have the flat mimi around the middle; they are peaked. You would think that would be easy to do. John C.

It shouldn't take that much. I would suggest every 4 to 6 months, depending on humidity. Where I live it's once a year. I have a dresser I use as a sword tansu and keep reusable dessicant packs in the drawer. John C.

From google. Might get you started at least: Shinkugata? ? Heavy openwork Early Edo Period Showa 53 (1977) John C.

Never thought of it like that, Piers. It's kind of like owning a pure bred puppy. It needs to be comfortable and clean; not too hot and not too cold; papered and even taken to shows, if the pedigree is good enough; missed when it eventually passes on, though replaced with a new loved puppy - and it starts all over. John C.