Going To See A Sword

[Prewar70]

I will be in Houston next weekend or I would definitely make the drive to Chicago.  Again I appreciate all the advice.  It's a tremendous help.

[Ron STL]

Yes, well said Peter san. Not sure why you're though of as an "old guy," we first met around 1970 and I've never thought of you being old.     I've said this before, but keep in mind that here in St. Louis, the door is usually open for visitors, especially serious newbees. Only a handful of us "sword guys" in town. Lost one guy last year and now lost another, so how good it would be to bring in some young blood in infect them with the Japanese sword virus!

Ron STL ​ ​

[Bazza]

Ah so, all velly interlesting.  If one is on a lifelong journey with Nihonto from my perspective there is only one thing to remember - bad swords ruin your eye...

 

BaZZa.

[Prewar70]

OK can one of you old farts tell me what the kanji on the seppas mean.

[Stephen]

Forgetaboutit

[Ray Singer]

  On 4/19/2016 at 11:20 PM, Prewar70 said:

OK can one of you old farts tell me what the kanji on the seppas mean.

Possibly Yoshi (善).

 

- old fart Ray

[Prewar70]

I don't see a kanji by that name Stephen !

[Stephen]

So now you can read kanji...oy vey...headslap

[Lance]

Below is a tsuba with Kao at the bottom that looks similar(if only in shape) to one of the markings in your pics

 

http://www.mfa.org/collections/object/tsuba-with-design-of-shoki-on-horseback-with-an-oni-attendant-11604

I'm not sure why this would be found on your seppa  as they're  usually specific to a certain artist;

the quality of the fittings on your sword  aren't at the same level,  so some kind of odd attribution  to this Hironaga is unlikely.  Most likely simply  some kind of assembly marks that happent to look similar.

Regards,

Lance

[Ray Singer]

I agree with Lance that this appears closer to a Kao than the kanji I suggested earlier. Look forward to confirmation either way.

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Prewar70]

Lance, thank you for taking a look.  I zoomed mine again, not sure what it means.

[Stephen]

id still think it a number

[Chango]

  On 4/18/2016 at 10:40 PM, Prewar70 said:

I don't know if anyone listening is a hunter, but reading your post Peter got me to thinking.  If you've ever been to Africa, or here in North America, or anywhere in the world chasing game, you can usually put hunters in one of two camps.  Some are there because they want the biggest and the best, nothing else will do.  And others are there more for the experience and memories, and a good representative animal is enough.  It might not make B&C, but it might have been the oldest, with the most character, or whatever other attribute blows your skirt up.  I'm a neophyte nihonto admirer/collector.  I can go to AOI Japan and buy a very nice papered sword and I probably will, as can anybody.  But what I am finding is there is a thrill to the chase that can be just as rewarding, if not more in some cases.  I've experienced that in other areas of collecting as well.  I have no false hopes about this sword, no plans to polish, and no desire to try and make it something that it isn't.  But I can still appreciate it!  I don't mind character, a few flaws here and there, but what I really like is originality and honesty.  This piece is honest, it's not pretending to be anything that it isn't.  I'm asking a lot of questions and taking a bunch of photos (more than fellow members Muramasa haha) to learn and soak up what I can from this very knowledgeable community.  So I believe this sword to be worthy of owning, and I've looked at it every night before going to bed and after watching the new season of Outlander    That old dagga boy with his horns worn to a nub is every bit the trophy compared to that soft 40 incher!  So I appreciate all the commentary and information, it all helps.

 

Amen James... while I can appreciate the pleasure of getting a perfect rare blade with a "big name" mei, for the new guy just getting a bona-fide piece of feudal Japanese history of his/her own is quite the satisfying rush (and a lot cheaper too!).  Nice find!