Shuko

They should be passing legislation that states any politician in office around the world who has an IQ below 100 will be euthanased.

I could sell you the Sydney Harbour Bridge for that much

I am planning a trip to southern Japan and was wondering if anyone has a list of antique shops or fairs/markets where they sell Nihonto. Even your experience looking or buying there or where to find the Kyushu shop links would be helpful. thanks

I want to know what drugs they issue to The Lanes Armoury staff or are they having a contest to see which one of them can conjure up the most absurd article on a fireman's hook.

Dale and I email each other quite often and he has been a great tsuba teacher to me. I think he is having pc and isp issues; he recently swapped his isp. My intuition tells me he is ok but the equipment has failed big time. Unfortunately he does not have a mobile phone but that is his choice in this modern tech world.

You told me that you made them .......................................

How did they manage to get 8 real tsuba to auction ? Must have been their lucky client day.

A true "miracle" happened at that PO..........................

For me it is a tsuba with character and obvious use (not workshop inflicted "age" chisel or punch marks) e.g. the "spirit" that Dale mentions above. Patina and the shape are very important to me and more often than not I prefer the cheaper shakudo tsuba with a brass rim (fukurin). The staggering diversity of what has been made means everyone will find something that appeals to them, whether they can afford it is another matter.

Dale I will buy them as a lot package. thx Clive

Nah, some Chinese "aged it" a bit too long ..................

Powerball better be good to me this Thursday night, I like to buy tanto.

Thanks for the help. According to Dale this is a rare 3 crane tsuba. I too initially thought it was a 2 crane tsuba.

Does this help ?

Could someone please translate this signature for me. It is on an old iron 3 crane tsuba. Thanks