A returning Sword

[BIG]

Hi all,

 

This is a Real Christmas story.

 

http://home.comcast.net/~ColHartley/Ori ... tterTo.htm

 

Best Regards

[paulb]

Peter

thank you for posting this it is fascinating reading on several levels. Not least looking at the prices discussed in 1964.

On a more personal level there is a reference in there to a meeting between Dr. Homma and Col Hartley where Dr. Homma mentioned he was about to publish a Hizen Taikan. This he did. Earlier this year I bought a copy from Grey. What added value for me was it was a copy orignally presented to Dean Hartley in 1985 by the NBTHK.

It somehow completed the circle and put me on touch with someone I wish I had had the opportunity to know personally rather than just by reputation.

thank you for the link

[Ed]

Paul,

I remember the first time he told me that story. He said he had set up the meeting to return the sword, but thought it was to be a simple meet and greet. He had no idea it was going to be on national TV. Said he was shocked when he arrived and realized what a production they had made of it.

 

He kept that scroll all of those years and was very proud of it. He had me get it out about a year or so prior to his passing. We looked at it, as he related the story again. He paused for a long time, deep in thought, then looked at me and said, "It seems like yesterday".

[johnnyi]

Wonderful and inspiring story. Thanks for posting it. John Irwin

[Tcat]

Everything I read about Col Hartley and his adventures in the world of Japanese swords is fascinating and inspirational. Legend!

[singlechange]

I too have found Colonel Dean Hartley's writings very interesting and useful. As a someone still new to Nihonto, I am fortunate to have purchased one sword from his vast collection and even have one of his business cards. My favorite article he wrote is entitled "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Collecting Japanese Swords."