sad when they look like this

[jason_mazzy]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Japanes ... 1c2e9a4976

 

not even worth the weight in tamahagne

[Brian]

Nobody's fault...that one is either a real battlefield pickup after being buried for centuries, or taken from a watery grave.

I have a feeling, seeing the shape of that kozuka ana on the tsuba, that the "old iron" guys are having a quiet cry right now though :D

 

Brian

[nagamaki - Franco]

It's not all that uncommon to see this kind of thing in the U.S., where someone will wrap the sword up and bury it to keep them safe out of the home. One year at the Florida show someone showed up with a handful of nihonto all old katana that had been wrapped in newspaper and buried, and now ruined.

[Ted Tenold]

Seen more than a couple that were stored in basements that looked quite similar too. Basements: another term for a dungeon for prized objects.

[Akitombo]

Yet, still a number of people want to buy it??????????????????????????????

David

[NihontoEurope]

I think Brian is right. A battlefield pick-up or likewise.

 

Nice Habaki (one upon a time)

 

 

/Martin

[kusunokimasahige]

Many people out there collect battlefield relics. Most of the times helmets with bullet or shrapnel damage are sold for the highest prices.

 

The sword stands its own to relic collectors.

 

KM

[tokashikibob]

 

A couple of Okinawan guys started to dig out nice caches of weapons starting in late 90's. Some Japanese vets came back and thru word of mouth asked these two to dig out buried gear they left in the last days of the battle. They worked many of the easy to get to caves. Then word got out, we looked for harder to find places.

 

All the videos of the surrendering guys has them coming out in lion cloths, makes sense that these guys took off all the gear so they may not get shot. Anyway, seems that some would bury the stuff about 5 feet down in the cave. Lots of coins, compasses, watches and personal gear too. Good times, a few more years and everything will be dust.

 

Semper Fi,

Bob

http://www.okinawarelics.com