Slim Pickings In The U.k?

[Windy]

Well, following on from my other (and first time) post, for which I'm greatful for all the replies, I've attempted to cast my net wider. On doing so it seems that there is very little in the way of available examples of swords in the UK, particularly from reputable sources. I'm not altogether keen on eBay.

 

You guys over the pond, unsurprising given the nature of this theatre of war I suppose, have the spoils.

 

This has led me to consider that perhaps I should invest a little more in my first sword, and get a slightly better example, such as an officers variant. There appears to be a few more of these, particularly at dealers. So authenticity is more reliable.

 

I do have one book on the basics of 'The samurai sword', and I plan to add to this with one of the new releases on Amazon.

 

I'm thinking this will set me up a little better, and give me a firmer base to be starting on? As a 'humble British bobby' I'll never have loads of cash to splash on a huge collection, but slow and steady wins the race?!

 

What say you guys?

 

Matt

[John A Stuart]

You need to meet all or some of the other collectors in the UK. You may find pickings less slim than you think once in the know. John

[IJASWORDS]

Windy (Matt), John's suggestion is spot on. I have used the personal messenger function on NMB to make contact with other collectors in my country. You will find other collectors are only too willing to take you under their wing, help you out, and as in my case have even helped find a couple of swords that I was searching for. The worst that can happen is you get no reply (very unlikely). The people I have "met" through the forum are wonderful passionate fellow enthusiasts, who like me, like nothing more than talking about and sharing their GUNTO experience.  

Best of luck in starting off in what is a great hobby, with even greater fellow collectors. Neil.  

[Gakusee]

Hi, Matt

Why don't you come to one of the ToKen Society meetings and have a chat with us? Depending on where you live, you could come to the central meetings in London (check out www.to-ken.uk) or try the Northern To-Ken. With some more reading/research, meetings and eventually expanding your network, as John said, you might be surprised by what you learn or see.

Best,

Michael

[Daddy Cool]

Hi Matt,

Cant offer much advice, as like you, i am very new to this subject, and also like you, i have limited funds available to me!

Do you use www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb ? It searches all UK auctions, and once registered you can set up email alerts for keywords (eg "Katana").

Downside - unless the auction house happens to be near you, you generally have quite rubbish photos to go on, and poor descriptions. Plus all said and done, fees are generally 25-32% ON TOP of the hammer price.

I have two swords, both bought via this auction site. Each sword came to ~£1,300 once fees were added.

 

The first is a bit tatty - but at least appears to be old (1500s/1600s)

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/21188-help-with-signature-translation-ww2-sword/

 

The second is much more recent (1942) but absolutely immaculate, and from a known (WW2) smith thats reasonably well respected.

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/21367-my-1942-munetoshi/

 

I feel like i have paid over the odds for the "old" sword, but maybe got a bargain on the "new" sword, so possibly its balanced out! (thats "man maths" at work there).

 

Mind you, if/when i see another sword, i dont think i will be any better qualified to know if its legit. I will rely on the kind chaps on here to guide me.

I have chatted via PM to a few other UK guys, so dont hesitate to drop them a line.

And if you are ever passing through Berkshire, you are welcome to have a look at my pair. (ooh matron!)

[Jean]

It seems that it is the same in France, scarce goods for sale. I have a good friend who spends his time chasing swords (but against PC, afraid of planes-so never been to Japan). He had a lot of success by the past, I remember a Rai Kunitoshi or a Hatakeda Moriiye he had discovered but he told me yesterday, he had not striken a good deal for two years....

[IanB]

Matt,  Depending on where you live in the UK, do get in touch with others collectors / enthusiasts - they know where to go to see things such as the arms fairs and the dealers who specialise. There is in fact quite a lot of swords out there when you know where to look. Echoing Michael, go along to a ToKen meeting and meet fellow enthusiasts. I can assure you the Northern ToKen would make you welcome.

Ian Bottomley

[Brian]

People like Peter Farrar and others here in the UK can put you onto a LOT of swords for sale at good prices.

[nagamaki - Franco]

This has led me to consider that perhaps I should invest a little more in my first sword, and get a slightly better example, such as an officers variant. There appears to be a few more of these, particularly at dealers. So authenticity is more reliable.

 

I do have one book on the basics of 'The samurai sword', and I plan to add to this with one of the new releases on Amazon.

 

I'm thinking this will set me up a little better, and give me a firmer base to be starting on? As a 'humble British bobby' I'll never have loads of cash to splash on a huge collection, but slow and steady wins the race?!

 

What say you guys?

 

Matt

 

 

Hello Matt,

 

Strongly encourage you to take up these generous offers being extended. While there is no easy path to nihonto collecting especially on a budget, exposure to collector experiences and the possibility of viewing excellent swords collected goes a long way towards understanding and establishing objectives for yourself. Once exposed to good swords there will be no going back. 

Being involved with a group may also help you buy time and realize that rushing into purchasing a sword without a good foundation behind your decision making can be perilous, money wasted. Slowing down, developing a solid library, building hands on practical knowledge, learning kantei, recognizing quality, becomes invaluable. One good sword is a collection. 

[Windy]

Thanks to all for the words of encouragement. All the points will be taken into consideration. Hopefully I'll have an authentic example in my possession in the not too distant future.....so I'll have a solid base to work from.

 

Cheers all

 

Matt