Bugyotsuji Posted May 17, 2021 Report Posted May 17, 2021 The running of the site is barely covered by the various membership schemes, apparently, meaning that there is very little spare going into the kitty. I would like to offer a rare and unusual object for sale, all proceeds to go to the NMB. It is a large copper *medal, boxed. 200 gm, 3 inches (7.5 cm) across, and it was the first object to be guessed in '20 Questions' here. To the highest bidder by the end of 31 May 2021 midnight Japan time, I will send this, ordinary small air package, postage free. How about a starting price of $20 US? The top bidder will send the money directly to the site, or wherever Brian designates, and I will send the medal directly to them. *These medals were handed to all 90(?) members of the first Japanese Embassy to the USA in Washington DC by President Buchanan in 1860. There were ten or twenty gold and silver medals, and up to 70 copper ones, I believe, but I've long since forgotten the detailed breakdown. Please do your own research. Details of the medal itself are given in the Twenty Questions thread, page 2 below, and the stories behind their curious mission and their enthusiastic reception by the people of the US can be found on the web. Some example links I have also posted in the same Twenty Questions thread, and they make fascinating reading. Condition? Generally fine, with some dings on both sides. (I have owned this one for about 15 years, so I am happy if it is welcomed to a new home.) Never done this before, so, if there are any life-saving suggestions, please say so now. If not, let the thread run. If no-one bids, I will send Brian $20 and happily keep the medal! Brian, OK? 6 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 17, 2021 Author Report Posted May 17, 2021 Note 1. No cents in new bids. Minimum increments of one dollar US. (?) Quote
Brian Posted May 18, 2021 Report Posted May 18, 2021 You guys rock! Thanks so much Piers for the support, and to you guys for your offers too. 1 Quote
Ken-Hawaii Posted May 18, 2021 Report Posted May 18, 2021 For those of you who are bidding, but aren't yet Gold Tier members, that's another good way to keep NMB afloat. 5 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 25, 2021 Author Report Posted May 25, 2021 We can move the goalposts and end this thing early, or just leave it to run as set out. (?) 1 1 Quote
Kaz S Posted May 25, 2021 Report Posted May 25, 2021 Just saying this thread has motivated me to make a small contribution. 2 Quote
Wayben Posted May 25, 2021 Report Posted May 25, 2021 I don't know jack about this kind of stuff, but just out of curiosity I searched for one on eBay. There is one for sale, graded MS-63 by NGC, listed at $2250. I don't know if that guy knows any more about them than I do, but it's a data point. There were none listed as sold. Good luck to all the snipers out there that are waiting until the end to grab this one!! 2 Quote
Ontario_Archaeology Posted May 30, 2021 Report Posted May 30, 2021 Is the auction done, or another 23 hours.... If so, let me know how you would like the money donated Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 31, 2021 Author Report Posted May 31, 2021 Matt, 2:00 pm here now, i.e. 10 hours to go until Japan midnight. 1. Please contact Brian as to how you would like to pay. 2. When Brian contacts me, I will then ask the winner for their forwarding address etc. (You?) Fair warning... PS On Saturday I had a letter from the USA, which took ten days to get here. So the mail does seem to be moving... 1 1 Quote
Brian Posted May 31, 2021 Report Posted May 31, 2021 You guys are amazing! We'll let it run till midnight Japan time, so about 5 hours to go. 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 31, 2021 Author Report Posted May 31, 2021 This may not be as accurate as most auction sites, but I am hoping to write STOP at 12:00 precisely. Not quite there yet! ... ... ... Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 31, 2021 Author Report Posted May 31, 2021 STOP the auction START a new process of transfer to new owner... 1 Quote
Ontario_Archaeology Posted May 31, 2021 Report Posted May 31, 2021 I'm in the field right now, I'll be home in 3 - 4 hours to transfer everything! 1 Quote
Bugyotsuji Posted May 31, 2021 Author Report Posted May 31, 2021 No probs, Matt, take your time and take it away! Thank you, all of you, for volunteering to uphold this valuable site. PS I was owing Brian one for all he has done for me here. Sssshhh... Many thanks! 2 Quote
Brian Posted May 31, 2021 Report Posted May 31, 2021 Piers, Matt, Junichi and everyone who was willing to assist, I am in your debt. What an amazing gesture. I'm humbled. Matt, you can use the forum donate feature under STORE --> DONATE or you can just visit https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/japaneseswords Brian 1 Quote
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