Mark

not to hijack -- but if you notice that in Chicago let me know. i have signs in the registration area saying all deals must be done in the showroom and my staff lets me know if anything questionable is happening and i take care of it.

although we usually don't have 7 years olds handling Tokubetsu Hozon blades the promoters grandson got a special look, thanks Matt

Now i am back and getting settled i can add a bit. The show went very well, more than 20 tables more than we have ever had. People seemed to enjoy the large open room. I heard a lot of positive comments about sales, one dealer said he sold a lot and to people he did not know, that was a change from the usual dealer to dealer sales. Grey Doffin did a very educational presentation on "Care and handling of Japanese swords". With the large number of newer or first time attendees it was very helpful for all who attended. Matt Jarrell (member here) oversaw a presentation and hands on examination of some SUPER swords. He discussed "Masahide and his school, especially highlighting horimono". He had a Great Tsuda Sukehiro katana with horimono so show what Masahide was emulating at his start, multiple Masahide swords showing Sukehiro Doranba, Shinaki, then examples of his and students as they changed to Bizen den. There was an opportunity to learn but also handle some swords (all with wonderful horimono, some by Yoshitane) you usually only see in books or behind glass. some pictures below. Thanks Matt! And thanks to Markus Sesko for assisting.

Emura, good WW2 smith. a lot of info on this site and the web

Kanetsune,

Ando had told me he was coming when i contacted him a couple of months ago. I had a room for him but he didn't come. I tried to contact him just before the show but could not reach him. there was a dealer who lives in Germany and Japan was there. Had a guest from down under, and a lot of US dealers.

I have been busy but here are a couple of pictures I took when things slowed down

The Chicago Sword show is a few days away. Make last minute plans to attend. April 28-30, 2023 chicagoswordshow.com

There are no markings that I can see. Here are pictures I appreciate the help

Thanks. I had thought there was a Chinese connection. That's why I checked Dawson's book. I don't think i have seen these markings before. It appears Japanese made as the handle blade and scabbard all resemble a standard parade Saber other than the markings I appreciate the help

i have an unusual parade saber. It looks like a Japanese army parade sword. But it clearly has other markings. I checked Dawson's book for Manchuko and colonial but don't see anything like this. thanks mark

Dan i have a pile of books i am bringing to Chicago. I took a quick look and did not see the one you asked about but i may have missed it. If it is in there you can have it. mark

residue from handling explosives.

I have asked for private screening of my swords when i come back from the SF show but i am "told" it is not something they do or offer. If there is a way to have that done at SFO please let me know. When they messed up my sword case one year and i tried to put in a claim i was told the TSA didn't handle SFO and it was a private company

Mike There will be a lot of experienced people at the show and you will get a lot of opinions. You can listen and then form your own conclusions. Keep in mind some people have time and are happy to help, but at times people are busy. There will be a number of polishers in attendance, so if you are thinking of restoration you can get information on cost and time frames. If you decide you want to submit them for shinsa after you get some opinions you can try and ask Chris, if you catch him when he is not swamped he could quickly tell you if they are in condition to allow judging and then you can ask about getting them in. When you are showing it around you can ask people if the condition is an issue for shinsa and you may figure that out yourself If these are long term projects you can use the show to learn all you can and then research etc after the show. If you are not in a rush there will be other opportunities for shinsa in the future. mark

if you can adjust your schedule and come to Chicago you can ask multiple polishers face to face about potential for restoration and get ideas on costs and time frame. Also there will be several knowledgeable people there that could offer an opinion. If you are in SD there will not be anything closer to you than Chicago There is no schedule for future shinsa. The NTHK was in SF last August and the NTHK-NPO in Chicago this year so it may be a while till the next one. You could accomplish more, and get more information, in a day at the show than in months or research on your own. One reason we have shows is to help with education and sharing knowledge. Mark

Steve big thanks! that makes sense,, appreciate the help mark

I have a fuchi signed Goto Mitsuyuki or Ko?? (with personal seal) or maybe it is read differently. I can't find anyone using those kanji in Kinko Meikan or Haynes index. I see some Mitsuyoshi (different second kanji) that have a similar seal i am probably missing something simple. appreciate the help mark

Suishinshi Masahide smith from around 1800. very famous. you can find a lot online. compare the signatures you find. to my eye this looks gimei

Yes. Kai gunto missing some saya parts and Ray

Thanks Piers and Jan appreciate the help. not sure i have had anything before referring to armor in a test inscription. i will check Markus book. the way it is written does it mean the bodies were in armor or that it was tested on 2 bodies and also armor, seems a bit unusual

Piers Thanks! I appreciate it. i see my mistake with the date, any chance you could give the kanji so i can try and learn them and recognize them next time? I should have checked the test book before asking, maybe i could have figured out some, i didn't recognize the kanji used so tht threw me, plus i am away from home and my books thanks again mark

There is an inscription that I am having difficulty understanding. I see Tempo ? Year, 3rd month ?? And the lower kanji I can't figure out. My guess is it is saying it was shortened but not sure Any help appreciated

The Chicago Sword Show is getting close. Make plans now to attend. The show is in the large Ballroom upstairs so easy access for everyone. The room will accommodate more tables than we could put downstairs so think about getting a table. The show website is http://www.chicagoswordshow.com/ The Hyatt is getting full early so if you need a room please book it soon https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/CHIRW/G-ASIA With a shinsa being help at the same time it will be busy https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/42836-nthk-npo-shinsa-april-28-29-and-30-chicago/#comment-440734 If anyone has questions you can reach me at chicagoswordshow@gmail.com Thanks Mark Jones

i have seen similar before. it seems to occur on blades made and mounted in late 1800's and early 1900s (in my experience)