Posthumous swordmaking?

[hillman]

Here's a sword supposedly by Miyairi Akihira for sale on eBay by Mike. Y.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/885-Japanese-Samura ... dZViewItem

 

According to the mei, it's dated 1978, but Miyairi Akihira passed away in 1977.

 

Did he make blades from beyond the grave?

 

Pretty nice blade though....

 

Kade

[Brian]

Dodgy.

Looks like the whole nakago has been filed down and new yasurime and mei added. Filing over the polisher's marks? Also, the end of the hi looks cut after the polish. Definitely altered in some way.

 

Brian

[Ford Hallam]

Good call on the yasurime over the polishing marks, Brian

 

I'd add that the mounts are apparently pretty bog standard Iaito koshirae...ie; about as cheap as they get.

 

I'll try and remember to scan in a genuine mei by Miyairi Akihira in the morning....someone remind me

 

regards,

 

Ford

[Stephen]

Looks like the kesho polish is covering up alot too.

[Kajihei]

HI All,

 

The mei says 昭和五十二年 which is 1977. Looks like Yamaguchi san either misread it or mistyped the description. As for its authenticity, he tells the buyers to consider all signatures as gimei unless it comes with a reliable paper, so that's a fair game. Genuine or not, I am amazed at the number of fine-looking swords showing up on the market at low prices unthinkable just a few years ago. I wish I had lots of money to spend so I can buy them up. I am sure they make better investments than stocks or real estate -- probably won't depreciate as much. Unfortunately, my fortune took a big hit with the downturn on the stock market, so I have no money to spend in this buyer's market!

 

Kaji

[Brian]

Matsumoto san,

Thanks for the clarification. Agree with you completely that there are very good deals out there currently for those who have some spare cash. Those who have been on the forum for more than a few weeks will have also noted that we have pointed out many times that Mike states very clearly that the swords are probably gimei unless noted otherwise, and those that have dealt with him should know this by now. He posts very good pics, and will elaborate if you ask. It is important to know your seller, and also don't buy the signature...buy the sword. Nothing wrong with chatting to a seller about the sword before you bid too. We have never recommended eBay as a buying source, but if you are going to do it anyways..most buyers know that they have to ask questions and do their research first. Even old origami should be regarded with scepticism, so there should be no surprises for buyers.

 

Brian

[hillman]

Yes, I agree that Mike Y. is a very trusted seller, and I've bought a few swords from him in the past few years.

 

Hey, looking at this new listing, he's got a pretty good sense of humor also when describing this "all star" sword!.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/935-Japanese-Samura ... 240%3A1318