outlier48

Ray - flipped and rotated the other flag picture - I think it is "man" = 10,000. I believe when used in reference to the emperor this was (?) a reference to greatness or long life. Hopefully, someone more knowledgeable will confirm or correct. Charlie Brashear Edit: correct misspelling

Rey, flipped and rotated last pic in your series. Showa gan(?) nen roku gatsu jun nichi XX (this is a date perhaps June 10, 1926). Charlie Brashear

Based on the way the kanji were formed in the pic Eric posted I am going to guess "A" is legit and "B" is gimei. Whatever the correct answer, I think we are all going to learn quite a bit when Mike reveals the "why's and wherefore's" on this. Charlie Brashear

Simon, depending on where you live you might find a sword club nearby. At their meetings you can ask lots of questions, see and hold swords, and learn much from the time you invest. This, of course, is in addition to any books you might acquire in your study process. As to the area where the sword in question might have flaws, I leave that answer to those with better eyes than mine. Regards, Charlie Brashear

First, thanks to all who are participating in this topic. It is from such speculations and resulting research that we all learn. This process was intended, as I understood it, to be very respectful to Erich and the sword as well as helpful to all of us. (Each new topic line seems to open an interesting new door for me, a newbie). Second, I have taken a bit of time to search for this bonji on the internet, but to no avail. Given that plus the "rounded" quality of this "naga bonji" I remain skeptical but open minded. Hopefully someone will find the key that unlocks this mystery. Regards, Charlie Brashear

Erich - just curious at to your thoughts as to the placement of the naga bonji and quality of the carving compared to those posted by Guido. I think there is a definite difference in quality in the carvings, but perhaps that is just in the quality of the photos. As for someone who can read this, perhaps Morita-san? Regards, Charlie Brashear

Based on location in the center of the sword (halfway to the kissaki) I agree that this was carved to hide some sort of kisu. A search of the board will show several examples of well placed and well carved horimono and bonji. Charlie Brashear

And even those who might be overjoyed to have an ancestral blade returned might not fully appreciate it. I just found out the sword in the story linked above has subsequently been given to a museum in the home town of the gentleman who received it. My understanding is that all too often swords given to museums to not receive the attention required to preserve them. I hope I am misinformed on that point. I wholeheartedly agree! In those rare cases where it might be possible to find a family member of the last known owner of a sword, one must take a great deal of care in determining if returning it would cause more harm than good to those folks. I think this is why Mr. Sakaida took his time and used intermediaries in patiently determining that the sword would be well received were it to be eventually returned to the owner's son. Charlie Brashear

Hi Piers, Returning these swords could be a very challenging yet laudable undertaking. Others with more knowledge will correct any errors in the information I am presenting. The tags were to allow the owners to reclaim their swords after they were turned in as part of the disarmament of the people of Japan. It remains to be seen as to where this went off track. Needless to say, most of the swords did not get returned. It is now very difficult to do so for any number of reasons. Are any family members still alive? Would it be possible to find them and verify that a particular sword did belong to a member of the family? Would they be willing and able to take care of the sword properly? I have "inherited" a wakizashi that I wanted to return to its "rightful" owner. When I first mentioned this on the board I found out that this would not be an easy task. I still haven't given up but hope fades. In a year and a half I may have been able to identify the owner "of record" in 1935. Assuming it was surrendered in 1945 there is a 10 year gap of possible ownership unaccounted for - and in my case no surrender tag. There was a wonderful story (attached) of a fellow who successfully went through the process, found a living heir, and returned the sword. You may find it inspirational, enlightening and very moving. Hope this helps. Charlie Brashear edit: for clarification AMERICAN RETURNS FAMILY SWORD TO OWNER.doc

I think we could all see this coming. I hope I am wrong, but I have serious doubts that anyone but the seller (and maybe the buyer) will benefit further from this new auction. I have more faith that this set will eventually find its way to a "good home". Charlie Brashear

I just look on Amazon.com and saw that this book has not been released to them yet - the expected date is in September. Is it available in english in Japan? Charlie Brashear

Toby, There is a series of 5 videos on his website - are these the same ones you are referring to? They are also supposed to be available on youtube but I have not verified this. Charlie Brashear

Next to last line - Heisei ju hachi nen yon gatsu san nichi = April 3, 2006. Charlie Brashear

Craig - Thanks for posting the link. Newbie's like me can still benefit greatly from the expertise of gentlemen like Jim Kurrasch and even though we never knew him while he was alive, we can know him through his work and efforts on behalf of the nihonto community. Respectfully, Charlie Brashear

Hi Jason - Nice! I think many of us are looking forward to the next pics. Would you mind telling us who is polishing this sword? Charlie Brashear

Morita-san -thanks in advance for your forthcoming contribution to the study of Nihonto. I, too, think the addition of the smiths' kanji would be of great benefit to all. Charlie Brashear

Matthew - interesting idea - would love to be able to warn people to be very, very, very careful when dealing with craigslist and the like. Personally, I have heard so many "bad news" stories that I just stay away. This might be hard for an exuberant newbie. Maybe some of the red flags should be posted - doesn't want to use PayPal, insists on funds being wired into account would be 2 big ones. With apologies to those who have been ripped off, perhaps the simple warning we can post for anyone: when buying from an unverified seller - caveat emptor! Charlie Brashear

A great presentation - interesting and educational - it seemed like a once in a lifetime opportunity to see and have "in hand" six magnificent nihon-to with such rich history! Thanks, Mike, for the time and effort. Charlie Brashear

Thanks gents, for the input. I concur. Just wanted to hear it from others. I have no intention of purchasing any nihonto related items from ebay. There are so many other excellent sources. Charlie Brashear

Curious if anyone has any thoughts on this item or the seller. I know ebay had a less than stellar reputation vis-a-vis nihonto but would appreciate your thoughts. http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Japanese-Sa ... 9894168375 Regards, Charlie Brashear

Jason, great find for $30. I can't get lunch at a decent restaurant in Los Angeles for $30 with tax and tip! I would gladly forgo a meal if I could make such a purchase! Charlie Brashear

Aaron - I for one need better photos to be able to comment. Maybe others with more experience will not be so hindered. ANy chance of getting scans of this sword? Charlie Brashear

Hi Grey - mizunoe- uma (壬午) = 1942 (Feb 15 1942 - Feb 04 1943)? Couldn't get just a year date when I googled this. However, John Yumoto in "The Samurai Sword" lists 1924 as "kinoe-ne" - so - mizunoe-uma is 1942? Charlie Brashear

Morita-san - Thank you for the links. Mr. Yamasaki is based in the Los Angeles area. I will try to meet with him to discuss the wakizashi and its historical owner. BTW, was Sugiyama Shigemaru the man who founded the Tsukiji Token Kai? Regards, Charlie Brashear

Morita-san and Moriyama-san, Thank you again! I will work on getting the information on the Japanese link translated into English and then summarized to highlight the key points. I will post them in the (hopefully) near future for the benefit of the other members of the board who have been following this post. Of course, all the credit is yours! Sincerely, Charlie Brashear