Translation and appraisal needed

[hoobastank68]

Hi,

 

I just won 2 auctions on Yahoo Japan but did not fully understand the descriptions, Google Translate was not very helpful.

 

Would really appreciate a translation of the main descriptions on the tanto and katana and also an estimate for their value in the current market.

 

Thanks a lot! New to nihonto message board and a new collector as well.

 

Tanto: http://page9.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k177796505

 

Katana: http://page13.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/a ... r114489287

[Mark]

welcome Sean

 

just as a note, NMB requires you sign with at least your first name. I see your name on the into thread, but just remember to sign all your posts . I am sure some members will add a brief translation. But as far as an appraisal: I was told that the value is set by what a willing buyer paid a willing seller on the open market, and since you bought these at an open auction it would seem that the high bid sets the high value for the items. Unless there is something hidden I would think what you paid is the top of the value as you were the high bidder.

[hoobastank68]

Thanks Mark and done in terms of the signature.

As for appraisal I understand completely. Still would love to learn more about the 2 pieces if someone can translate and share more details.

[Brian]

Welcome to the forum.

Interesting..one very old, one new(ish)

Significant flaw on that tanto..it is tired. But hitatsura hamon is a nice example.

Just want to point out that while we don't really do values here on the forum, the value of an item is what others are prepared to pay for it. And since it was an auction, and viewed by thousands of collectors....the end price is pretty much what it is worth nowdays. Until the market changes of course.

 

Brian

 

Lol....I see Mark had the same idea while I was typing this reply.

[hoobastank68]

Welcome to the forum.

Interesting..one very old, one new(ish)

Significant flaw on that tanto..it is tired. But hitatsura hamon is a nice example.

Just want to point out that while we don't really do values here on the forum, the value of an item is what others are prepared to pay for it. And since it was an auction, and viewed by thousands of collectors....the end price is pretty much what it is worth nowdays. Until the market changes of course.

 

Brian

 

Lol....I see Mark had the same idea while I was typing this reply.

 

Thanks Brian, the hamon is beautiful and my main reason for bidding on it. What do you mean by the tanto is "tired"? Do you think I should have it repaired in the US or just leave it in the shirasaya? Apply choji oil or not do anything?

 

And hopefully another member can help translate the general descriptions for both pieces

[John A Stuart]

Your tanto is zaimei* Kanesada 在銘・兼定 Minayaki 皆焼 I suppose it is the same as hitatsura. John

[Grey Doffin]

Hi John,

No offense meant so please don't take any.

If you don't know what tired means, you need to be buying books, not swords. The more study you put in before you purchase, the happier you will be with what you buy. Minimal study: you're setting yourself up for a very expensive education.

Grey

[Pete Klein]

I'm a little confused by these purchases as you need to have the swords sent by an agent through the torokusho process to get them released from the country. You can't (legally) export swords out of Japan without this.

 

http://www.jssus.org/nkp/japanese_sword_laws.html

[Jussi Ekholm]

That katana is made by Masasuke from Saitama, it's signed Chichibu ju Masasuke saku.

[hoobastank68]

I'm a little confused by these purchases as you need to have the swords sent by an agent through the torokusho process to get them released from the country. You can't (legally) export swords out of Japan without this.

 

http://www.jssus.org/nkp/japanese_sword_laws.html

 

Yes it is through an agent.

[hoobastank68]

Hi John,

No offense meant so please don't take any.

If you don't know what tired means, you need to be buying books, not swords. The more study you put in before you purchase, the happier you will be with what you buy. Minimal study: you're setting yourself up for a very expensive education.

Grey

 

No offense taken, do you have any recommendations for a beginner to read? Prefer something available on Kindle.

 

That katana is made by Masasuke from Saitama, it's signed Chichibu ju Masasuke saku.

 

Thank you! Is there any more information to read up on him?

[nagamaki - Franco]

Hello All,

 

Pete is not the only one confused! Time and time again we have posts of people coming here to ask for appraisal after they have bought a NIHONTO of all things, let alone a nihonto on a sword website where they cannot read the description, and yes, Grey, even before they have a library of any sort !!!

[John A Stuart]

This smith Masasuke 知知夫住政丞作 is a student of Sakai Ikkansai Shigemasa. His name is Fujino Yoshisaburo. He started producing swords in 1989. John

[Grey Doffin]

I believe there is a recommended book list on FAQ.

Grey

[Toryu2020]

John -

 

Let me start by saying we have seen a lot more spent on a lot worse on this forum, so with very little knowledge, if I may say, you have done alright with your first purchases.

 

If the responses here seem mixed it is because you ask a lot without seemingly heeded advice many times repeated on these pages. Imagine saying to your Iaido Sensei, I love your 300 year old art which you have spent decades mastering, "Can you teach me everything you know this weekend, I will send you a really big electronic thank you card if you do!"

 

Since I am sure you are not that kind of student you'll understand if folks here think you should build a foundation first. Afterall Iaido is not just knowing how to draw but also when to draw. If you have a better grasp of the fundamentals you might find you are better equipped to make informed purchases. Ones that you will be happy with years from now.

 

Also asking us to answer all of your questions is a bit like asking "Wheres the airport?" in a foreign language - you might get a long complicated answer you do not understand. For you to understand and learn from the answers given here it is best if you have a grasp of the lingo or at least references at hand that you can use to understand what is said. Hence "Books first, then swords!"

 

Learn to describe your own swords using the accepted terminology - ask focused questions on the features you do not understand, I think you will be much more satisfied with the answers when your do.

 

Take a look on line for the books of Markus Sesko - many of them are available as eBooks and will be good tools for your new hobby. You've taken a big first step, don't let the obstacles we've placed before you deter you, you have entered a world of study that is at least as much fun as drawing a sword...

-t

PS Sorry for all the Iai analogies couldn't help myself :D

[hoobastank68]

Thanks Thomas. I completely understand and will continue to learn.