Mark C

Hi Lee, You could spent countless weekends trawling the various military and arms fair across the UK, not sure which area you are in but they are fairly well spread. Like the comment above, I recommend joining one the the Token societies as they are well worth the money and have some great meetings. All the best Mark

So sorry to here this news, Tony was a wonderful man and we always had a good old laugh when we met at various shows. Tony helped me with some of my very first blades and stopped me making many mistakes. I for one will miss them greatly. My thoughts go to his family.

I've used this stuff with good results Regards Mark

Got nothing more to offer that has not already been said but what are peoples thoughts on the saya cover? Doesn't look like the normal leather usually found. Mark

Get well soon Guildo. My thoughts are with you and your family

HI Mark, Habaki seems to be foiled copper.

Thanks Geraint, I was going to ask about the gate symbol on the tsuba but having read the posts I now know what it is. I've only had the koshirae three days and I've learnt so much already. All the best

Thanks Dale, After reading about Namban tsuba I can clearly see two dragons chasing a gem and the dragons are embedded in arabesque. Bit confused about Chinese/Japanese origins but I've only just started to learn about nanban tsuba so give it time. All the best

Hi All, Picked up this Wakizashi koshirae in fairly good condition. Would it be classed as a Handachi koshirae? and is there a name for the layered/surface finish on the fittings? Any thoughts greatly appreciated. All the best

Many Thanks Ray Regards Mark

Hi All, I just cant get these two mei. Is the first one " No "? Many thanks in advance. Mark

Great, Thank you Steve. All the best

Hi All, Hope I've put this in the right section. I'm looking for some help on the red Kanji? please. It's on a black lacquer tanto saya. It looks as if it was added at a later date than the Wisteria Mon that is on the other side. The red Kanji seems not to be the same quality as the gold Wisteria Mon. Any help greatly appreciated.

Thanks all, I shall continue to store them off sword and in the dark. All the best Mark

Hi All, Unsure if this question has been asked before, Apologies if it has. How do you keep your sword tassels safe, Do you leave them on the sword or are they stored elsewhere? Currently I have 6 swords with tassels and I keep the tassels off sword in a ziplock bag attached to the saya ashi. I do this as the swords are not on display and stored in their own sword bag that risks potential tassel damage every time you take the sword from and replace the sword in it's bag. Interested to hear peoples opinions. All the best Mark

Difficult to get in the UK so I have used Zeiss microfibre cloth for a few years with no problems. Available from Amazon. Mark

Hi Adam, Can I please have: Japanese Sword Surrender Tags- R Fuller- £80 The Yasukuni Swords, Rare Weapons of Japan 1933-1945- Tom Kishida-£45 PM sent Regards

Info below Jon. 20th June 2021 fair is now CANCELLED The next fair is going to be 19th September watch this space for further updates Superbly located at The National Motorcycle Museum, Junction 6 of the M42 Birmingham, B92 0EJ, adjacent to the Birmingham International Airport It is the UK's biggest and best antique and vintage arms fair Showing: antique & vintage sporting guns, airguns & deactivated guns, collectors edged weapons, bayonets, daggers, armour, uniforms, headgear, badges, medals, decorations & other militaria, books on related subjects. Part of the event Entry Time Ticket price Dealer & keen collector preview 08:30 to 10:00 £ 8.00 Public admission 10:00 to 14:30 £ 5.00 Children under 13 free admission. Event ends at 15:00 Future Events Dates 21st February 2021 20th June 2021 19th September 2021 21st November 2021 20th February 2022 19th June 2022 18th September 2022 20th November 2022

I Have this one.

Sorry Bruce, No numbers or stars. Regards

Hi Bruce, I didn't mention a blade just the saya.

Wow - very pleasing

Hi Everyone, Here's my offering. Nagasa of 14.6cm Regards

My Auto payment went through just now, All good

You are right Ken, Not provenance and I would never claim that it would be. I personally think it is just interesting info to have.