Mark

Picture of the shirasaya

thanks Curran, i think it is a good deal, but paper says Mihara not Ko-Mihara I put Koto in the title as someone asked for Koto blades

Dan i have some swords i will be adding here in the future. i just have to get organized and i have the Chicago Show coming up and i may have to scramble to get it organized as i am waiting on the state and hotel

Mihara: Wakazashi. Mihara. NBTHK Hozon paper. Koto. Nagasa: 54.8 cm. Kasane: 6.3 mm. In good polish. only negative is opening under habaki, it does not show when habaki is on, it was probably shortened to place it where it would not show. Silver foil habaki and good shirasaya with ivory inserts. $1100 less than half restoration cost and enjoy it now instead of waiting

seems nioi-deki i have had shitahara hada blades before and it didn't seems like that. I will have to look into Uda

thanks to all so far. I appreciate the information. I guess ayasugi is possible but in my experience the hada is not so rough or clear, i usually see finer hada even if not exact ayasugi, this seems just to "heavy" "thick" etc (hard for me to describe). I agree with Jacques i don't think shingane, it is too clear and organized, i would expect shingane to be "flat" dull" etc, and being a tanto i didn't think it was made with core steel. Does anyone see the remains of a mei? looks to me like something was there but the lower hole punched through it.

I have a tanto that i am having trouble trying to understand. It is quite "light" It is 11 1/16" overall, nagasa 8". Blade is Uchizori and the nakago has sori. it is 3/16" thick at the machi. So i think old (but how old?). It has Suguba temper. The hard thing for me to figure out is the hada, it is unusual (to me) and distinctive, O-mokume that is clear and gives the impression of almost 2 types of metal being used. The blade is scratched and out of polish so hard to see everything. I am hoping someone will see this and know what it is. I thought maybe Shithara but the mokume flows too much, it doesn't seem ayasugi so i don't think Gassan, but it gives me the feeling of something from up north. It appears there may be two kanji but i can't see enough to attempt to read, maybe someone will recognize it?? any input or direction appreciated.

it is real. mediocre condition but numbers match

Trevor where are you located? there is a thread if you search for Shinsa

I have been slower than usual promoting the show due to uncertainties with covid. I spoke with the Hotel today and they are optimistic (99% sure) I can have the show this year. States all around Illinois are opening up and they are waiting for the Governor to rescind some restrictions so they can have events like ours. I am not as sure as they are but i am cautiously optimistic. As soon as i know for sure i will update the website immediately (www.chicagoswordshow.com). In the meantime I want to share this update as I have been getting a lot of inquiries about coming to the show. It seems there is a lot of pent up demand for a show. Please note: If anyone does not feel comfortable coming, i understand completely. There will be NO pressure from me to attend the show. Everyone's health comes first. If we do have the show I will enforce all health requirements and if anyone does not want to comply please stay home. That being said I am working with the hotel and hope to use the large Ballroom on the mail floor to allow social distancing and better ventilation. I will update the website as we get closer. I would recommend you make hotel reservations if you plan on coming, they can be cancelled if we don't have the show. Here is a link. https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-JASW?src=envision_email_grpreserv_ENG_20201030_GroupBooking_TC000000170A000007762ENG_G-_28798 You can also click the link to reserve on my website. I have a list of those who had tables reserved for last year's show (and those who paid and asked me to to apply it to next year).I will hold everyone's tables. Do not send money for table(s) until we know for sure. As nothing is settled yet you are welcome to contact me but i won't have firm answers until the State relaxes the meeting limits. I will post changes/updates immediately on the website. I attached a flyer you can print in case you can share it with others. Fingers crossed Mark Jones

Acxel or Mr Acxel ? sorry not sure how to address the message......... I run the Chicago show, i am hoping to have the show April 30 - May 2 as long as IL allows events by then. I travel through Chicago occasionally and might be that way in a week or so. If you are available to meet as i drive through let me know. Or if you can come to the show there will be people there i can direct you to that might help.. you can reach me at nixe@bright.net Mark Jones

i am in Toledo OH but will be at a small show this Sunday in Livonia a suburb of Detroit. he can email me at nixe@bright.net or call 419-283-0941 (i am EST). mark jones

I have to these 3. $150 plus post each. i also have a couple of polished blades in shirasaya

Jose where in KY are you? I was in Louisville last weekend and could have brought all my items to show you. Not all blades and handles fit all koshirae so sometimes the fit is important if you need it for a particular use. you can email me at nixe@bright.net mark

think i see Kanbun on the paper

Bob Chicago show is scheduled for April 30-May 2, 2021 I talked to the hotel last week and they are cautiously optimistic that they will be able to have the show. It depends on the State and health regulations. I have not been actively advertising the show as i would prefer to know for sure one way or the other. I will update the show website as things clarify http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ mark

depending on size usually 4-500 for Shirasaya and $150 for tsunagi.

you could get this book Imperial Japanese Good Luck Flags and One-Thousand Stitch Belts Hardcover – June 30, 2008 by Michael A Bortner (Author)

these flags are reasonably common. I have owned dozens and dozens. At any big militaria show you can buy as many as you want (genuine ones) for $150 or so. they were given to military men going off to war by family, friends, workmates etc. They were carried for good luck and many were taken by souvenirs by vets. There is a reasonably modern book dealing with these flags. The book explains all about them. you can probably find it by researching. If i recall it i will add it

Steve-san Thank you. The link was interesting, seems he was a very progressive and kind person. At least i feel a bit better not being able to figure out the inscription myself, it does seem challenging thanks again mark

i have a blade by Enshin, i can read the Date but not sure about the line on the left, it seems to be a "custom order" but i can't understand it. seems to say something about #9 in 100. any help appreciated. i will have it listed for sale in my dealer section shortly thanks mark

maybe SoShu Ju Tsunahiro

it's a common fake

looks real but late and low quality sort or dock work, might be classified as Nagoya-mono

i agree. looks painted gold and silver