Tohagi

IMO, the polishing quality (and the money it cost) gives a strong clue!

Hello Jeff, Really appreciate your state of mind. If gentle soapy bubbles didn't work you could try "dry cleaning" using Essence F. Thid solvent will solve the fat and must of the stain. It is used in professionnal silk cleaning. As before, no soaking or rubbing, just stamping with a clean piece of cotton cloth... Best, Eric

Hello Kevin, Really beautifull swords. Fantastic shape and hada! Pictures seems to stronger my feeling that the original maki was at the level of first mekugi ana (just under). You can see a polishing bolt, a change of patina and the place were antique habaki could be. The place of the meï could be an issue and you can't exclude it been suriage twice... I don't know why, but it feels Oeï to me. Just an intuition, nothing to put into the balance. Best, Eric

Very nice koto shape and nakago matching, 3 mekugi ana which looks legit, nice bohi, very good kaigunto mounts with silver high grade habaki... Interesting both nihonto and militaria collectors. Well...the price could rise up more. Best, Eric

Lovely sword ! Kongobeï is quite rare with long meï. Hope to see close picture of the hada... Best, Eric

Hello, If the sword is TH Kongobeï Moritaka saku, you should have the generation on the paper ? This will give you a time scale. My feeling is that it is 3 fingers maki okuri (originaly 4 fingers over the 2nd makugi ana). You can see a deep change in patina color betwen the two mekugi ana. Best, Eric

Sorry, impossible to see of there is utsuri in the actual polish of that blade... Best, Eric

Hello, Please avoid steam on mountings. Japanese craftmen use rice glue that is very sensitive to steam. Best regards, Eric

You're probably right, with the back ground shadow I'm not able to see the shape of the nakago. I thought it could be suriage... General shape, sori and funbari reminds me sue bizen influence...

...Mmh Nagayoshi is a big name in Yamashiro... caution. https://www.ncjsc.org/resources/newsletter/bizen-osafune-nagayoshi

Very nice "trouvaille". The sword shows potential IMO. Seems koto maybe bizen. No clear shot of the nakago, suriage 2 1/2 mekugi ana (half one on the edge of suriage but maybe just a shadow on the picture), nice patina and bohi, some dents. Waki size? If the price is correct...

Hello, This wakisashi is not ugly at all. The hamon is interesting, quite elegant gunome a little too close to the ha. My guess would have been shinto too (somewhere betwen 1690 and 1800...). You should try to show it to someone. Best, Eric

For sure I'm not qualified enough... Reading this thread, I wish to share some thoughts: - for some one who have sensitivity, looking at really great sword feels like contemplation. You can touch silence of the soul...your's and maybe sword's. - a deep historical/legendary background helps to understand the cultural importance of a great one. - obviously, it must be a true high piece of art, a masterpiece... For me the 3 conditions are necessary and sufficient... Regards, Eric

Hello to everyone, The reason I suscribed is because I felt gratefull for help and assistance. Maybe: - provide priority assistance to members, - possibility to hire a private thread showroom to finish a transacrtion betwen members, - international net of people helping with homeland issues and mediations in transactions, - some continental IRL NMB meetings, - begining an online Kanteï school. - good sample for the 300 most sognificant smith meï... A lot of fun for young and old timers...

It makes sens... I'm a bit too far away. Maybe Brian could advise some wise member in Greece ? Best, Eric