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Dear Mariuz, I will sent the saya photo but need to set up my camera, am at a scanner right now it won't fit. But here is the signature on the kozuka. I've been attempting to collect info on him including signatures. As my initial questions were regarding the theme and proper name for the type of menuki. The name is listed on the signature search on this site but no other info. Ed

Dear Mariuz, Thanks for your response and suggestions, In this thread i was seeking info on the fittings. I will likely post the blade but that would be as you suggest in the nihonto topic. I believe this to be a shinto blade. Ed.

Dear Members, Hi all, I have questions concerning a smith, fitting theme, and if there is a name for a specific type of menuki on an aikuchi mounted tanto. On the kazuka, there are two figures, one playing a flute wearing a straw hat and another dancing figure wearing what looks like a shishi mask. Is this a meaningful theme? Or what would it (theme), be called? The sig and Kao are of Masayasu, short of one reference Bushu/Odawara ju, I cant find anything else, is he noteworthy and when was he active etc? Lastly, Are this menuki shown unusual? Blossoming lotus or peony??( Not sure), in that it shows the top of the flower on omote side of the tsuka and under-side view on the ura? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks, Ed Sorry will resize photos and send.

Hi guys, Here are some poor photos of the Kunihiro blade in the Kaigunto mount, need to set up the other camera for better shots. My observations; high and slightly raised shinogi, iori mune-hikushi, torii sori 1.2cm., masame/itame-hada the masame is near the mune. Yasurime is kiri and a kuri-jiri. On the ura side of the tang I discovered “Echizen Ju” was inscribed but difficult to see. Ed Sorry sent wrong photos, hope this works. Seems i somehow got it correct. Regarding the Kunihiro and photos shown, please comment or give opinions. Have not been able to locate reliable signature close-ups.

Dear Geraint, Peter, and Adam, Thank you very much for responding to this thread. I’m not overly optimistic that a big name like Kunihiro might not be a gimei however, it demands research. My initial observation was that the original mekugi-ana is located dead-on for the smith based upon some signatures I’ve seen on the internet. The blade according to a collector that wishes to purchase it told me that it was a shinto blade and he thought Echizen based but was not very specific. The tachi is mumei but an old sword. It has been abused with scratches and I can only see the hamon in two areas and on the kissaki the boshi can be seen but all very faint. I will post some photos tomorrow, in the event you are interested or would like to comment. Thanks again guys, Ed

Dear Thomas, Markus and Steve thank you for that on spot identification very much. The print is 1950s i believe. The website was a great offering, Thank and have a lucky month! Ed

Hi mr. Trotter, Thanks for responding to my inquiry. I will post the blade and signature in a day or so. It is a wakizashi blade 18.75" (nagasa) and a prominent name. I'm trying to find papered signatures in an attempt to kantei the sig. It is signed " Izumi (no) Kami Fujiwara Kunihiro". I'm looking at horikawa etc. not easy being a newbie!, but learning. Thanks again, Ed will send photos.

Dear Ian B, Thank you for your input. I am comfortable with that. I agree with the 19th century, it just seems to have that look the more I study it. The blade is unsigned but the habaki is shakudo making me think it was likely not intended for tourist export. Thanks again, Ed

Hi to members, I picked this up for $10US (Salvation Army Outlet), I like woodblock prints. Woodblock appears to be 50s. Obviously an exodus from a castle maybe 14-15 century event?. Thought the knowledgable historians here might see something revealing to the event??? Can anyone attribute it? I'm sure is only one sheet from an album. Thanks, Ed

Hi guys, Just a comment, an auctioneer advised me once that a ligitimate (licensed), appraiser would consider in his valuation, regarding art works or swords, that the value for "replacement" though literally not possible unless the item is recovered, That they consider the cost to replace the item or close to it. That consideration would include the costs associated with acqusition and costs associated with finding, shipping, authenticating etc. It is not uncommon to insure an item for 30% more than the value of an item on its own. Don't know where or even if this is a practice in other countries. These policies can be updated annually, I've been told. Ed

Hi again, This is the other mount. Dear members, regarding the second koshirae, I believe this is a custom early Kai-Gunto but I have not seen one like this before. The saya is a polished dark brown same, all the fittings are matching and silver plated brass or copper. The design throughout all fittings is a five petal cherry blossom. The tsuka is finished with black lacquered same with dark brown ito. My question is I wondered if this might be an officer police mount or possible naval police model. Any opinions will be appreciated. Thanks, Ed

Dear members, hi to all, Have two mountings I’m curious about. Regarding the first one, Does anyone have an opinion of the age of this Ito-maki tachi koshirae, if that is the correct terminology. I have seen a similar piece referred to as a Jindachi - zukuri??, which is correct? Some helpful details that you may not see; Length equals 40”, Under the gold ito on the saya there is a light green silk wrap with metallic gold ribbon threads in it, the menuki are dragons nicely engraved 3” long , the tsuka is wrapped with brown ito over white same. Some of the silk fabric under the ito has been lost to age?, deterioration. This is making me think it has good age. Any input will be appreciated. Thanks, Ed

Hi All, Just thought i'd forward a copy of a kuniyoshi print in which a warrior is holding a smoking cannon for the gun guys. I know that it not very good but thought you would enjoy it. Ed F

Hi Chris, this may sound stupid but i wondered is there a rule?? that i would have read it as kin as opposed to kane? If u return, Ed

Chris, You are awesome!!!!! Thank you very much I have been wrestling with this and i had considered Kinmichi but went with kane. Thanks again! ed

Hi all, having a problem with this signature, looks li da or ni?, unknown, no-? Kane michi. Any assistance is appreciated Ed

Ken, Your space looks similar to a good friend of mine. Hes owns and operates three businesses, mostly artsy cool stuff. In his gallery endeavor ( he wanted a place to exhibit his art), he sponsers a drum circle bi-weekly, quite popular been there on occasion, 30+ attendees. He is now selling exotic drums, instruments, and budhist beggars bowls etc. They really get in to it. It has been an effective way of bringing in new blood into his stores. I'm from a musical family, my great uncle directed the Boston Symphany Orchastra, big deal Ha Ha> For many years i desired to collect musical instruments but was always reluctant because of dust and cleaning not to mention the challenges with displaying for my own enjoyment. Ed

Ken, what's that timba doing there and are those cunga?(sp?) Drums can move the heart! Luv'em. Ed

Hi Ken, It is about 18 inches. I'm sure it is one piece of wood, i inspected both ends under magnification where the skin meets the side. Due to shrinkage of the skin on the ends it exposed a narrow un-lacqured area to inspect. Years ago I had a chance to purchase two antique, large 30"-35" daiko (for $500), and regret it today, the ones that got away. I thought they were to large to go through normal doorways, nevermind getting them into or on my car and i would soon be compelled to sell them. Ed F Hi again, Ken it was about 20 inches tall on end which would make it the small one. The painting on the surface includes two dragons entwined around the sides (can't be seen), chasing the sacred jewel.

Hi Members, If it has a yokote, can't tell for sure, it would be a nagamaki and based upon the nakago, (likely mounted as a katana or wak), it would be a naoshi I think, based upon what i have read. ed f

Dear Frnco, J has advised me that he only conducts this process with surgical cloves and is cautious. Thank you very much for your input, i have more of a comfort zone with his and your advice! Ed F

Dear Brian, Hoping u have a Happy and prosperous new year. Thank you for the response, I get it. I tend to be paranoid before i take any action because i appreciate the value of patina and other considerations. Preserve and Conserve! Ed F

Dear Franco, Thank you for your response and participation. Much of what you said was highlighted by J. He is interested in purchasing my collection, after having inspected it. I’m not sure that he uses this product on his best pieces, didn’t ask, but many of them have been recently polished and mounted professionally and don’t require cleaning. He showed them off-to me (a dozen or so, he is proud of them). He is very active and purchases at least 1 – 2 blades a month, in fact, he shared (with me), three collections that he acquired in whole. I’m concerned that I don’t damage a blade (with good intentions), should I attempt to clean them up myself, there are many.

Happy New Year to Members, Dear Members, I visited a new friend today at his home to feast on his art sword collection (30 years in the making). To me, it was impressive! He suggested I try this product, that he uses "Never-Dull" to clean up blades that he acquires. It comes in a tin and is in an impregnated batten form (swabs). I am reluctant to use anything (on a blade), without a consensus from experienced, and knowledgable input. Has anyone an opinion? His blades are pristine and include Koto and later. My impression is that it may be a good product and he demonstrated his technique to me. Any input will be appreciated, thank you in advance. Ed F

Hi Eric, That make sense to me. I agree, I thought you'd be interested in the close-up photo of the mail on my piece as compared to yours which exhibited a different construction technique. My impression was that your piece may be more in keeping and was influenced by European Mail Armor. Don't know just a thought.