Mark

you can just snipe, there are plenty of programs available that way you do not have to be at your computer or post your bid early. If someone did as you suggest (raising bid and them removing it) it would be easy to spot and the buyer is notified when outbid and when the bid is removed. Ebay has plenty of problems but that type of shill bidding is usually caught quickly

fake or original what? Papers? they look fine. Blade? It has a paper so the NBTHK thinks it genuine

looks like "Den Edo Ishido Sakon Korekazu" (circa 1660 lots of info available, Ishido school Shinto working in Bizen Den), I am sure you know the date and length

my guess is Sukesada. looks like someone put a hole through the second kanji on purpose

might be away on vacation or traveling so not listing at present, I am sure he will be back. He is a member here so maybe he will comment

maybe a transitional blade? Made so it could to be mounted in late '44 mounts with 2 holes, or the earlier gunto mounts?

when I started I bought inexpensive swords, learned from them and sold them. I found when I sold them I learned a lot because people showed me EVERYTHING NEGATIVE about the sword. It was very educational. When I was comfortable knowing a $1000 sword from a $300 sword, I moved to $1000 swords, Eventually I figured out the difference between a $2500 sword and a $1000 sword, so I moved to more expensive swords. I recommend buying at a level you are comfortable, learn and eventually sell. When you sell you get a real education in the value. Move up as your comfort level changes. Apply the lessons learned from selling when buying the next sword, I figure that is how I pay for the education. I have made money on some swords and broken even, and lost money on plenty.

You could make a donation to the board in his name, it is the NMB that makes it possible and I am sure Kunitaro-san would appreciate the thought

Echizen Ju. Resident of Echizen, usually the smiths name is on the other side, probably shinto

Rich Not sure I understand your question. David seems to clearly say the sword is signed by Munetsugu (a famous maker from the mid 1800's) but he says it is a WWII sword so not made by the person whose name is on the tang. The blade/sword is a "real sword" but no one knows who made it (or at least nothing is stated about who made it). So it seems David is not sure who the maker is. Many people would try and pass this off as a 1800's sword but Davis is being honest and fair so I would think his description is also accurate, I am sure you will get what he represents it to be.

could be gimei I guess, it seemed to look natural. Anyway it would be nice to know what the first 2 kanji say

here are a couple, blade is dated 1533, sorry the overall picture is out of focus but at least gives an idea of shape If anyone has any other ideas about the place of kanji at the beginning of the mei please let me know

Ed & Robert Thanks, I will get some pictures tomorrow, blade is not in polish. I think the "town" name coming before the Province threw me off, I had seen Shu written that way before but would have expected BuShu XXX Ju so thought maybe it was something else

I have a daito, I read the makers name as Chikashige (please correct me if wrong), but I am having trouble with the rest of the mei, can anyone offer some help Thank you

My thanks to Mike Yamasaki and the NBTHK (American Branch).. What a lecture and exhibition! About a dozen high end tanto laid out for hands on examination, everything from Koto Hasabe, Nobukuni through high end Shinto, toped off with a Kiyomaro. Having the chance to actual handle and examine these treasures was a treat and my hats off to the owners who generously allowed them to be used. Where else can you walk up to a table and pick up a real Kiyomaro and spend time learning from it. Mike's lectures are always educational, he walks the attendees through the kantei process so you learn how to determine quality "hands on"

I submitted 5 blades. 4 signed 1 mumei, I was sure 2 of the signed blades were good, I was pretty sure one was gimei but wanted to verify, the mumei blade seemed to have the quality to pass and the last signed blade I was not sure either way. 4 passed, the one I thought was gimei failed. I took some blades for others and, not to share anyone's business, I think the pass rate was over 50% and although I did not spend much time looking at the swords I did notice a couple that clearly looks gimei. Overall the "mood" or buzz of those who submitted seemed satisfied. I remember shinsa and this time there was a marked difference for the better. As Tom mentions in his thread it seems collectors are learning and submitting better quality and the results reflect that.

sunday at noon, still going strong

some of the tables and people

Show over. I can get some sleep. I took pictures but did not have time to add them here are a couple from the front door

I think sword and fittings prices are soft, but maybe it is a function of supply/demand. Some years ago it was hard to find decent swords and fittings. Now, with the internet, it seems dealers in other countries can easily market their items and the prices reflect the supply. It seems really top end items do well and low end "starter" items do move but medium priced items are stagnant. Only my opinion.

paint is assembly numbers, the close up of the temper looks like oil temper so nice Showato

Carl if the pictures are clear I am sure some of us can offer opinions

Sharpen your kantei skills! Each year the NBTHK (AB) provides a great educational exhibition at the show. In the past there has been in hand blade and fittings kantei. I am sure this year Mike Yamasaki and the NBTHK (AB) has something great planned. But additionally I hear there will be something extra special. In addition to the usual program Mr. Bob Benson is bringing a "mystery blade". At present it does not have any paper. Mr. Benson discussed it with Mr. Tanobe and plans to submit it for shinsa later this summer but it was decided to bring it to Chicago. It will be displayed for any who wish to submit their opinion. When the blade is submitted the person who is the closest will receive a nice prize generously donated by Mr. Tanobe. Make sure you plan to attend the NBTHK program, it is usually Saturday afternoon.

page 181 of John Sloughs Oshigata book has a blade that shape made by Murata dated 1888

vary a lot but you can get some in the $250 range