Out of the box

[Spartancrest]

I could not help noticing this dragon 'tsuba'  -  https://www.jauce.com/auction/s1085765929  or  https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/s1085765929

I am sure it will attract some attention and is reasonably convincing.

 

However it is one of four designs put out by the Hachette model company of Japan  [this is issue 1] - sort of "buy one every week/month and build the entire set". It has become an item taken out of its original context once it has been removed from it's box. The original  premise was that collectors could accumulate a large number of replica tsuba and finally house them in a tiered display box. Sales were so poor that the editions were cancelled after four issues.  - [There must be a warehouse somewhere with a lot of nice storage boxes gathering dust.] So don't be too surprised if these replicas start to turn up on auctions or for sale.

 

PS. the Hachette company no longer sells the items.  I will keep my example in its box - much like Star Wars figures it might actually be worth something if kept that way for the future! 

 

[Mark S.]

I will have to remember this.  The ring of arrows (#3) would be one I would look at, now I will have to make sure I’m looking twice.  Thanks for the heads up.

[Spartancrest]

23 hours ago, Mark S. said:

The ring of arrows (#3)

this could very easily be the number 3 copy!  https://www.jauce.com/auction/m1085360736

The patina is off and the sekigane look like part of the body, not an added feature as does the ategane.  Someone will not be happy when they get it!

 

[rematron]

Sure looks like it!

[Spartancrest]

Number [2] has made an appearance. I guess we can be thankful that only four designs were released, there might have been a lot more to be wary of.

 

[Spartancrest]

Number [3] has jumped over to ebay - https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/404259163084   A little expensive, considering the Hachette company were selling the four boxed examples as a set for 8,000 yen !

 

Hey, maybe my number [1] has gone up in value too! 

[ROKUJURO]

Not really replica (trying to give all details like on an original), but simply cast copies.