John C

Just to add one more pic for identification, all of these (found 3 so far) have nearly identical holes including a large openning at the bottom. All listed as netsuke. But I don't think any one of the sellers has a clue what it is. I've seen similar items as pipes and powder flasks, though without the large openning. John C.

@Bruce Pennington Another from Showa22, if you don't have it already. https://www.ebay.com/itm/366030169526? John C.

I agree that it is antler. Doesn't seem like it could whistle with such a large opening. A powder horn attachment of some type? John C.

I've come across two of these things now labeled as "netsuke or sagemono ornamentation." Does anyone know how they were used? (third pic is the back side of pic 1) Seems like a handle of some sort. John C.

Works for me. I do the same thing then drop the photos into google search for a "reasonable" translation. John C.

This is why I have never purchased a netsuke. I have read 3 different books and still can't tell the difference between real and fake. Back to the drawing board.... John C.

Michael: To start your answer, you should post a picture of the signature in the "translation" section. You can get more info with the smith name, overall condition of the blade, and relative rareity. John C.

Hector: Echoing George above, I would be interested in any information about Kanehide mentioned in the catalog. John C.

You could try contacting Sue Romaine from the International Netsuke Society. She is listed as a contact on this page for Los Angeles. https://www.netsuke.org/netsuke-society-contacts John C.

Tyler: It's possible that not all the netsuke are fake. Auction houses get it wrong all of the time, where many people with means tend to shop. Did the original owner have any heirs? John C.

Here in the U.S., Tom Zowada makes his own tamahagane from Lake Superior black sand. John C.

Tyler: My knowledge on netsuke is very limited, however here are a few things I know to watch out for: 1. Arrow at the top right shows where the rotary tool veered off course. 2. Arrow in the middle top points to the ring around the himotoshi, which is common on fakes. 3. Arrow at left top shows that the himotoshi are the same size, which is also common on fakes (one should be bigger to accomodate the knot in the cord) 4. Arrow at the bottom is to indicate that the "signature" is only roughly Japanese, which again, is common on fakes. Real netsuke are only occasionally signed and it is done very artistically. John C.

Answer found on this item: Not even remotely Japanese - it's a betel nut lime paste box from India or Southeast Asia. Found a few just like it for auction. John C.

Interesting, Thomas. Whatever the new device was, there was water involved. The copper is a bit corroded on the inside. I suspect someone repurposed it for a matchbox or something. Thanks again, John C.

Hello: These are on the bottom of a copper inro about the size of a match box. I tried looking these up, however I'm not sure these are Japanese. I got the numbers 2 2 4 0 6, though I'm not sure if they relate to the writing. I would really appreciate some assistance on this one. John C.

A slightly different fake with brass handle. https://www.ebay.com/itm/135562460129? John C.

Another fake being sold as legit for 1300. Note the fake marks are similar to the one posted above on Nov 21st. https://www.ebay.com/itm/157427026200? John C.

@Bruce Pennington Bruce: Here is a sword with both tsuka and saya painted gold. The gold on the tsuka looks original to me (under the ito wrap). https://www.ebay.com/itm/167957209725? John C. p.s. same sword posted in translation section.

Stefano: The second two lines from Charlie's translation is the red seal. John C.

Takehisa, I believe. John C.

Firstly, unbelievably interesting thread. I love the details about items I might come across. Secondly, would the shot be used like we use shot today (bird shot vs. ball round for larger game)? John C. p.s. I would pay an entrance fee to see your collection in a museum somewhere.

So these variations were made concurrently? If made at different locations, how did the numbering work? Were there "blocks" of serial numbers given to each location to avoid repeat numbers? John C.

For those who have an interest in yatate, I just picked up this somewhat different one. I say different because the unusual/quality pieces are harder to find in the US. Anyway, this one is an inro type with the familiar angled silver dashed line as a decoration. But inside it has a small hanko that reads ba/ma or "horse." Unsure if it is a nickname or part of a surname or a profession, however it probably dates from the very late Edo to Meiji periods. My guess would be a mitome-in seal. The vermillion ink is under the lid next to the seal. John C.

Jeffrey: Some additional information about the sword. It is missing the wrap (ito) on the handle (tsuka) and the flower shaped ornamental elements on the handle that assist with grip (menuki), however it's still a nice rig. And to explain a little about fake signatures, it is VERY common and should not detract from it being a piece of WW2 history. It is entirely possible that someone took his family blade (or a donated blade) and put military fittings on it. I wouldn't sell it until you settle into some research and get more details. John C. p.s. The handle wrap and menuki can be replaced in order to make it present well, if that's what you choose to do.

No problem. I try to shoot some this week. p.s. the saya does have matching serial number. John C.