johnb

Ah Brian you're right! In fact as the koi swims around it transforms. Finally becoming a dragon. I like it even more. Johnb

Slightly confused Pierre, then is a naval sword in then last pic. Does it have the saya? Johnb

Looks legit to me but has had an amateur restoration. Badly wrapped tsuka and the loose fittings on the saya is a result of someone stripping off the original covering and painting the wood black. The screw heads are another clue. I have purchased New screws that have the perfect thread size, but the screw heads are far to large. Careful filing and a new slot cut with a jewelers file is needed to make them appear original. If you pulled it apart and sold the bits on the bay I suspect you'd make a reasonable profit. So 400 bucks? Cool. Johnb

Don't even think about buying it. Fake,fake,fake. Johnb

Personally, I'd leave it as is. John

Thanks John, much appreciated. Although my original post should be read with just a touch of sarcasm. Johnb

Actually, I'm not a big fan either, but this one really took my fancy, it's rather unusual and even more appealing in the flesh. JohnB

Yes, there's some very neat undercutting, not to easy to see in this pic. (He says with far more confidence). Oh, and it's papered. Johnb

I just took delivery of this, it's diameter is 84mm and I rather like it. It's always a risk posting something here, particularly when one isn't so knowledgeable. The truth can hurt. :lol: Johnb

You should take the opportunity to visit the Flea Market. I haven't been there for about ten years, but I suspect still worth a visit. http://www.parisperfect.com/paris-flea-markets.php Johnb

Hong Kong dollars?

I'm not a big fan of dragons...but these I quit like. Information on School, era would be much appreciated. Johnb

This is the only snake I could find. It looks like it's been converted to a tie pin, not even sure it's was ever a menuki. Apparently there are over 40 species of snake in Japan, so where are the snake menuki? Johnb

I've been struggling with that one too. It seems to me that there are three components to the design. The three to the left seem to represent one item...I have no idea what. The one on the top...a cloud?. The one on the right looks to me very much like .......a ray gun? (Gotta stop licking these tsuba). Johnb

My wife thinks I have completely lost the plot. She came home the other night to find me sitting in front of the coffee table, licking tsuba. I have Jim Gilbert to thank for my apparent lapse into madness. http://home.earthlink.net/~jggilbert/modkatch.htm I digress, the tsuba posted here is one I bought about 7 or 8 years ago for about 10 bucks. I put in a drawer and promptly forgot about it. I'd be very interested in more information. I suspect it is quite modern, although I'd like to be wrong....By the way, it is completely tasteless. (In flavour that is.) JohnB

Doom sayer Keith? (or would "doom saya" be more appropriate?). I don't think you're a doom sayer at all. The fact is, whether or not it's a koshirae of no consequence doesn't change the fact that it has fallen into good hands. Someone who will enjoy and look after it. I think sometimes we can be too purist about our passion. I have about 20 or so swords, most of them of no consequence. The majority have come from combing antique shops in Asia and occasionally the UK. I have uncovered a very nice Kanbun shinto katana in original mounts, a fantastic find from Sumatra in military mounts, which may well be a Kanemitsu (yes that Kanemitsu). And one or two others of interest. This doesn't negate the fact that some of the other swords I own, I find very appealing too. If I hadn't found them who knows what would have happened to them? And it would be a shame if they rusted away and end up discarded to land fill! Doom sayer? No sir, not in the least. My friend who owns this is very pleased with the comments from everyone here, and is that more knowledgeable as a result. He thanks you all, as i do, this site provides a huge service to the preservation of Nihonto and that's a good thing. An exceptionally good thing. Johnb

I am also unsure, but I bet Mr Hallam could clear that one up for us! JohnB

Sorry Lorenzo, I thought you were implying that acid etching is a contemporary technique...hence Showa. JohnB

Canes or bamboo shoots Henry, what do you think? As to the flashy Momoyama look, I quite like it. It's a "Hot Rod" Koshirea. I've used urushi quite a lot and I have to say, the finish is very good and would have taken some time and skill to achieve. Johnb

Well...I believe it was a technique used in Europe as long ago as the middle ages. They used it to decorate guns, armour, cups and plates. In the 1500's they adapted it for printing, so I would have to answer...yes I have seen it. JohnB

Showa? Really? What makes you say that? JohnB

I may well be wrong, but I suspect it's a safe bet to say mid to late Edo for the majority than turn up. Or even newer. Johnb

I would have thought late Edo? John

I blew up one of the pics. It seems to have patches of crushed abalone here and there.

Not sure on the blade. I'll try and get some pics. John