thewarning

As a new collector I'm wondering how to collect tsuba. What do I look for when buying, what makes some cheap and others expensive, what tsuba are sought after by collectors, what makes a good tsuba and how do you evaluate that, etc.? From what I’ve seen some observations are condition (rust, damage, etc.), age, signed or unmarked, NBTHK papers. All info is appreciated.

Thank you, Mauro. Much appreciated.

Dale, good eye! I have to agree that is the same one. I was still looking at the grainy image pic and comparing size and weight. What a difference lighting makes too. Thanks for looking into it! I guess this was sold a few months ago to another Japanese seller and he put in on ebay. I'm still just as happy with it.

No, that's definitely not the same one. Size, color, condition, etc are all different.

Yes, got it on ebay from a recommended seller. And the price was very good IMO.

It's more lighting than anything else. In person it's more brown with only a faint reddish hue.

I'm very happy with my very first tsuba I just received! This opens a whole new world of collecting for me (my poor wallet 😭). As soon as I saw it I knew I needed it. I know it's Edo period and in the sukashibori style. What do you guys think and does anybody possibly have any additional information on it?

Good point. I didn't realize fittings could be so affordable. Guess I was just leery of certain eBay sellers.

I'm aware many artifacts sold on eBay are actually modern repos. Of course there are legit sellers too. I'm new to this but can you buy actual antique tsuba for under $200? I'm seeing many on eBay that claim Edo period for example that look great going for cheap. I mean I have seen legit Japanese sword shop sites also sell some antique tsuba for a couple hundred too. There's one seller in particular I'd love to get your opinion on. He's located in Japan with 100% feedback and has high-end signed items with NBTHK paperwork. On the other end he also has tsuba well under $200 that he says are Edo period "original antique. not cast or modern." Can I get your feedback on his items (especially the cheaper tsuba)? https://www.ebay.com...429486.m3561.l161211