cluckdaddy76

Here is one from my collection that resembles Dale’s last photo.

Sometimes this seller has variety when it comes to this tsuba, there is also a plain version with no color at all. One time he even had both listing at the same time . I just feel bad because people still buy them all the time.

https://www.jauce.com/auction/j1207560470 This dealer seems to have an unlimited supply of this particular reproduction tsuba listed in the link. I notice one from them nearly every week since I have been using the auctions as part of my studying tools. Looking at the other offerings, this dealer may specialize in all kinds of reproductions but cannot say for certain, it is just a feeling I have when looking at the quality of many of the items listed. I would suggest any new collectors stay away from any of the fittings listed, I just do not trust a seller who regularly posts modern fakes and even though a couple pieces may be actual Edo period tosogu, they are of very poor quality. I think most people have figured this particular tsuba in the link is no good, but I have seen them sell for upwards of $250 USD a few times in the last six months or so. Jason

Another example of a simple iron tsuba with minimal carving.

I am skeptical on these other tsuba as well. The open carving is very crude and the plates do not look well made. Color is often misleading in pics, but these all look similar and it looks off to me. Here is an example of one from my collection. Let me know if you can see any differences as to what I have mentioned. This theme I believe is a cherry blossom with snow on top. Your pieces also look very flat where many seem to be slightly concave. Jason

Here is one of mine with the same style carving Jason

Sent one from my work email. Jason

Welcome Jay to the forum. Here is a dealer in Japan that has very nice swords and fittings. https://www.seiyudo.com. Or go to the nihonto info tab here up top, click on links and then pull up the pages commercial 1-4. There are tons of links to legitimate dealers. Great place to start poking and if you think the blades you posted looked good, get ready for the real deal. Good luck and have fun. Jason

I just did a quick search. All of these swords are listed on liveauctioneers.com right now, this one from Gold Coast Auctions. My opinion is I would not touch a single one of these. Go to the link section on here and look at some websites from legitimate dealers. Compare what you see there to what you have posted. There is a reason when auction sites only post a few pics that are not high resolution or close up enough to see the important details. I would also suggest doing some basic research on your own about this subject before buying one. It can save you from wasting money on fakes. Jason

Can you show pics of the nakago? As of right now, this does not look to be Japanese. Jason

This right here plus the rest of the thread has me thinking this is probably the best option for someone like me. I will get a quality gun safe that can hold the entire collection. My biggest worry is actually fire, yes theft could happen, but I pity the fool that would try. I understand now that to get my collection insured; it would need an appraisal and then it would also be the cost of the insurance. I think a proper safe is the best overall bet right now.

What I have done with my tosogu is to take an index card and write down as much information as I have been able to research and leave it in each box. I have also provided a rough price for each piece on the very low end if my heir was to decide to sell all at once. I have explained to her she may get more money if she was to take her time, but when this time comes, I will leave it in her hands. All I can do is try to leave her the best guidance I can. Jason

Excellent question that has floated through my mind too. My daughter will be my heir, and I would like to give her as much help as possible. Another question I have is once you have enough pieces to be considered a collection, should a person insure the collection such as on a homeowner's policy? I looked into it loosely once and the biggest issue would be getting an appraisal value for your collection and getting the insurance agree to terms.

I can tell you that the rings are definitely different than the kojiri. I am sort of embarrassed I did not notice the difference before. in defense my eyesight has plummeted these last few years, getting old really sucks. . The kojiri is tiger eye, but not tumbled and shiny as you see today. Tortoiseshell makes sense, I have a kushi/kogai tortoiseshell set that is very similar in color to the rings.