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I recieved them in the begining but not anymore. Ed

Hi, I'm new at this but it looks like a stylized vajra and blade within a gourd, indicating a budhist meaning or mon. Just a thought, maybe it will lead u somewhere. Ed F

Hi Mark, I understand from several reading sources that blades were shortened, particularly the older ones because it was necessary to adapt them to be more efficient weapons for the type of battle over time as the nature of the battles changed. From on foot, horseback etc. The blade shapes also changed as i'm sure you know as well as adaptation to the blades for balancing purposes. Ed

Dear Curran, Thank you very much for responding to my post. I’m afraid I gave the impression that I was in a position to what I think may potentially be a special collection, wrong and handle it inappropriately. I have been and am building a respectable library and reference resources. That is not to say that I think that mere text and research is enough. I am well aware and learned a long time ago that a little knowledge can be dangerous. Experience rules! I have read several books on the subject and was astounded at how complex and far-reaching the art of the sword was. I do have a little knowledge, perhaps more than my original questions revealed. In any event, I am hoping to learn and acquire knowledge, protocol, informed opinion, perspective and theory from this site as well as making new friends and hopefully, make valuable contributions to the site. My foremost attention (Conservation/Preservation), is that no item in the collection is abused or damaged by improper storage or actions by me or others. I have cautioned the owner of this because of the temptation that looms when looking at the swords and mountings noticing that silver mounts are tarnished etc. My advice, to the owner included; that no cleaning or repair should occur without the proper solutions and techniques properly administered by experienced individuals. My initial focus on the swords are the blades notwithstanding the significance of the mounts. I think my “fatal” questions”, with regard to Grey was; “How do I determine if a blade has been over-polished and determine that it could sustain a new polish, as opposed to warranting one. I asked this question because I understand that the construction of a blade (cross-section), can include layers, applied or cores of different qualities etc. My thinking was that over-polishing might reduce the outer layer, if that’s the case, might reveal an inner layer detracting from a blade. I also understand that a fresh polish may reveal many characteristics that may not be discernable on older, out of polish blades. The other thing was that I read the rust residue on tanks should be retained as it assists in dating a blade, maybe because of the steel used and those characteristics. Having sophisticated optical equipment I thought it might be helpful to know what to look for. All that said, I will be happy to send you photos and solicit your ideas or thoughts and hope you enjoy them anyway. Please feel free commenting of giving your opinion regarding my questions, I won’t be offended. Respectfully, Ed

I have recently been offered an opportunity to purchase or market a private collection of Nihonto and related items that are part of an estate and private collection. The collection consists of over 60 swords, aikuchi, tanto, yari, tachi, wakizashi, katana, gunto, mountings and fittings, but not limited to that. I have initiated a cataloguing process and research effort that has proven to be much more complex than anticipated in spite of my research efforts including expansion of my reference library. This process has exponentially, stimulated my interest, desire and appreciation of the sword. Some of the pieces in the collection were acquired at the 1992 Christes "Compton Sale". Based upon my initial observations and research the blades span early Edo period to the 1940s. If anyone can help or give me any advice I would appreciate it. My questions are as follow; 1. How do I determine if a blade has been over-polished and if it can sustain another polish to restore its beauty? 2. What am I to look for in the rust residue on the tang to assist me in dating or confirming the age of the blade? I have lab microscopes, if they are needed. 3. I have read a rating of smiths in some articles, 5,...10,....50?, what is their significance and how is that rating used or assigned? I'm conducting a lot of research on this right now so if you are looking for something or a source, whatever, I will forward you that information if I stumble onto it. Thank You for your consideration, Ed F from Boston, MA.

Hello to all administrators and members, thank you for such a site. I have collected asian art since I was a youth, fell in love with it and have always been facinated by it. I will return soon and hope to get to make some new friends. respectfully, Ed F.