Alan Morton

Hi Roger, Why don't you treat us to some pics of the Dragon Jizai or bring them to Sydney Shinza when you come back. The chemist shop you liked so much is still there and have stocked up supplies of Red in anticipation Alan.

Hi Ron , I agree with Mariusz and would say that the pattern is new fern fronds Alan.

Hi Cyrus, We certainly don't get to see this quality of tsuba very often in Australia Has it been put up on Tetsugendo web site? or do you have any more images of tsuba you could post or email? Regards Alan.

Dave, forget to put film in your camera again you shouldn't go out by your self you know. AL.

Hi Jason, the tsubas you show [2] are well worth 150 bucksUS They both look a bit grubby and could use some TLC. The one with the dragon looks to be Jakushi school and don't know about the other one.Do you pics of the 3rd one? Alan.

Hi Keith, Acetone will remove paint and lacquer with no harm to patina or metal Why don't you just take Ford Hallam's word on this subject Alan.

Hi John, your last post 27/12/10. It's now 12/1/11 What did you end up with? Alan.

Hi Kevin, I would say that these are deep rust holes left by some ones fingers many years ago. This is often seen in varying degrees when swords come out of vets homes after being put away dry after being handled by novices thumb on one side 2-3 fingers on the other side, even after gun shows. They are often called carbon spots but I believe they are what is left of a rust area when the majority of rust has been cleaned or scraped off I would suggest speaking to a polisher who can tell you with a degree of certainty what can be removed when polishing Alan.

Hi Bernard I would say from your photo's that it is not solid gold but an amalgum or gold foil with the solid copper underneath I have a few peices like this with the gold slightly worn. If you want a proper rundown of what you've got try and draw Ford Hallam into the discussion. I do like your kozuka. Alan

Sorry Dave , fancy me thinking you were living in the past And sorry to all you guys, Dave and I are friends who talk on a regular basis about all sword goings on around Oz. I have been playing at the Devil' s Advocate with this sword which I have known for some time but not owned. At first it was thought to be a General's sword , this has been disproved. It is a special order sword for a Mr.Minoru Nokura by Kane Michi to commemorate 2nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbour. A little confusion exists about the exact date on the sword. Now what I've been trying to drag out of Dave is a good description of the 2 naval badges on either side of the metal saya. In the hand they are very neatly soldered on. I believe in a Japanese fashion and the black laquer looks to be very original Ordinarily I am very sceptical and critical of this type of nonsense added to Japanese millitary swords and we've all seen it but this looks and feels original and seems to combine the Army sword with the Navy Has anybody seen similar? Or care to expand on this interesting sword Alan.

Tsk TSk TSk this is like pushing wet cement up hill with a pointed stick. Do you have any more pic's in better detail of that naval hat badge on the middle of the scabard, how is it stuck on, Do you think it's been since original and what about the black paint "laquer" when did that go on to the saya. Put a new film in your camera lol AL.

David, Is this the same sword posted in Translation Assistance? Any more pic and close ups . Are the fitting a good quality? Do we have to lead you by the hand all the time? Alan.

Hi Dave, nice pick up and nice sword to. There is a Japanese general by the name of Nomura Minoru could these guys be the same person with a different pronuciation of the name? Regards AL.

Here is a link I fogot Japanese WW II Army officer`s sword "Tatsuoki" Nagamits

Hi Guys, Is every one keeping this sword on Ebay a secret just in case nobody has seen it , 42 bids and $4200 odd US seen like a lot of interest to me What is known about Tatsuoki ,is he Nagamitsu, Looks like his hand in the chisel work. What do you all think? or know about this Smith? Alan.

Hi there John, Here is a link to a site that will give you good comparison whith a 30% dicount to board members. http://www.japanesesword.de All these peices look far too expensive, if you ever need to sell these you will never get your money back no matter how long you keep them Best Regards to you and your family Alan. when are you due back in Oz?

Hi Chuck, I have bought about six tsuba from this site at very reasonable prices all arrived safe and sound even though one lot took several months to get to Australia by ship. All in all I was very happy with what I got. Alan.

Hi Pete, it would appear to my eye that the Kaneiye has deteriorated since 1952 through not cleaning or no maintenance while on exhibit out in open air even tho in a cabinet. Alan.

I have bought a number of tsuba from this site and was very pleased with all that I have received so far and at very reasonable prices. The condition was better than discribed and comunication was good as well. Alan

Hi Chuck, Nihontoau is owend by John Grasso from Cairns in Australia he is an absolute straight guy and you would have no trouble with anthing he sells. I have no interest in this business and have only bought items from him. Alan.

Here is a link http://www.nihonto.com.au/ to John Grasso's site. regards Alan.

Rich, bring juyo red wine and you may view original 3 volumes next time you visit Alan .

Hi Phillip, Micheal Cummins is an Aussi living in Tokyo who has restortion work done there his email is me.cummins@gmail.com He will also talk to you via Skipe or something like that. His work is very good and fairly priced. Alan.

Hi Eric, I have had lacquer restoration work done by Micheal Cummins who is studying lacquer work in Japan. I was more than pleased with work done and the price.His email is me.cummins@gmail.com he also arranges polishing and handle binding. Regards Alan.

Rich,this peice is far to new for you, I think you had better send it to someone who doesn't know any better. Regards Al.