No. 2. Fun auction to support the forum. Runs until 3 November.

[Bugyotsuji]

The running of the site is barely covered by the various membership schemes, apparently, meaning that there is very little spare cash going into the kitty. 

 

Round Two.

I would like to offer two WWII Japanese military talismanic personal *'flags' for sale, all proceeds to go to the NMB. 

 

*See following photos.

1. a somewhat rare 1,000 stitch obi offering protective powers to the wearer, to be carried folded or worn around the waist(?). 108 cm x 34 cm. Shrine seal in top left corner.

2. Flag, a red sun on a white background, with attaching strings. Black brushwork writing. 70 cm x 80 cm.

*Material. Both feel like cotton or hemp.

*Condition. Pretty good considering, no rips, tears or holes that I can see. Judge for yourself.

*Provenance. I bought these from a dealer couple from Shikoku at an antiques fair within the grounds of Ako Castle in October 2021. They brought them from Shikoku where they live, so I assume that they may have come home safely with the owner from the Second World War in Asia.

 

They are the third set of objects which have been guessed in the game series '20 Questions' in the members' section. Shall we give it a week? To the highest bidder by the end of 3 November 2021 midnight Japan time, (2 Nov US?) I will send this by ordinary small air package, postage free. How about a starting price of $5 US?

 

The top bidder will give me a contact address, and will send his/her money directly to the NMB site, and once confirmed by Brian, I will send both of the above/below articles directly to the generous winner.

 

If no-one bids, I will send Brian $X and very happily keep them here! 
 

 

 

 

[Kaz S]

$200 USD!

[Mark]

$225  -- thanks for the fun and help for NMB so i will support it

[Kaz S]

$250!

[Brian]

You guys rock, I really appreciate the support. And these are lovely items too! 1000 Stitch belts can fetch double this without the flag, so a great addition to any collection.
Here's a nice article: http://www.nambuworld.com/senninbari.htm

This one is on the very high side: https://premierrelics.com/japanese-field-gear/japanese-wwii-senninbari-1000-stitch-belt

[Bugyotsuji]

Coming up to midday here on the 2nd of November, so 36 hours, or a day and a half left before Japan hits midnight on 3 November.

 

NB In case people wonder why I am doing this, I may have mentioned before that Brian has cut me some serious slack in the past. I do not have a lot of spare cash and my PayPal is broken anyway, so it seemed like another fun way to repay his kindness and support the NMB. 

[Brian]

And because you are just generally an all around nice guy. I can verify that

[Kmad]

I’ll go $275 cheers, 

ken

[Bugyotsuji]

Fair warning! 10 minutes to go on this... 

 

Already struggling to stay awake, and I have to be up early tomorrow! 

[Bugyotsuji]

I will post this at midnight, in one minute. Everyone got your clocks set correctly?

 

At present this set goes to Ken in Ireland, unless someone snipes it while I am typing this! 

[Bugyotsuji]

Auction ended. Many thanks, Ken. 

 

Please send your kind donation to the NMB, and let me have your address, by PM if you like. Once payment is confirmed I will wrap these and send them to you. At present the mail is working fairly reliably and it should reach you in a week to ten days.

[uwe]

Great undertaking Piers 👍

[Brian]

Payment received, and a massive thanks goes out to Piers (again)
So very much appreciated sir.

- B -

[Bugyotsuji]

OK!

Thanks to all who took a punt at this! Sadly there can only be one winner.

The ball is back in my court, so once I’ve got myself organized I’ll keep you updated, Ken.

[Bugyotsuji]

Apologies for the delay. This little package has now gone off into the postal system 'by air', so it's four-leaf clover time. The post office took my money but then warned that it could take some time. 

[Bugyotsuji]

Hoping this has gone smoothly. (The Post Office sent me a completion of delivery notice, but I am still wondering if everything is OK.)

[Bugyotsuji]

Update
Had a kind email from Ken in parts unknown  to say that something has arrived at his place, but he has been away so he’s not yet given authority to anyone there to open it. 

[Stephen]

Congratulations to all involved well done!!!

[Bugyotsuji]

Ken, any update?