watsonmil Posted January 17, 2010 Report Posted January 17, 2010 About 30 years ago, I was offered a very tired o-suriage Tachi ( cut down to wakizashi ). The Tsuba pictured below was on that sword, and it is the reason I sprung for the $ 75.00 asking price. The tsuba was covered in heavy paint ( not patina ) ......... PAINT. The features were completely obliterated with paint. Many many hours of cleaning went into the removal of the paint from all those waves and piercings. After taking it to an old Japanese collector who became my sensi, he quickly translated the one side to say : Shimomura Fukushige. The other side of the Nakago-ana read Oshu Province. A little research indicated ONO School .... early Edo. Measurements top to bottom 3 inches, side to side 2 1/2 inches. Thickness 5/16 inch. It is of course iron, and well forged. Sadly due to damage to the original patina by removal of paint, I had to re-colour it. I hope I got it relatively close. Anyways this item was the beginning of a most enjoyable and expensive introduction to the Arts of the Samurai. ......... Ron Watson Quote
watsonmil Posted January 18, 2010 Author Report Posted January 18, 2010 Oh God, ... I've gotten the picture upside down when I posted it ! SORRY ! My son will be out later this evening, and I'll see if he can correct it. ........ Ron Watson Quote
Bazza Posted January 18, 2010 Report Posted January 18, 2010 HAHAHAHAHAHA - I once had a tired Koto mumei katana in Shingunto koshirae and a Showa clunker katana in Kaigunto koshirae, then I bought a cheap book and since then it has cost me many thousands too... BTW - I like your tsuba. And I thought your tsuba was pictured as worn on a tachi... Best regards, BaZZa. Quote
watsonmil Posted January 18, 2010 Author Report Posted January 18, 2010 I'd better leave well enough alone. If someone wants to see the Tsuba right side up, they can print it and turn the thing around. I should be more careful. My apologies. ...Ron Watson Quote
drbvac Posted January 18, 2010 Report Posted January 18, 2010 I hope you are just stating a fact and not complaining too much cause the crew here are in the same or a worse boat - cost thousands and maybe -- in 30 or 40 years worth what they did cost! Funny how any collectible - regardless if pennies or dollars will cost usually cost 50% more than it can be sold for the next day. And - two most frustrating things about collecting anything is trying to find that "special example" and trying to sell that "special example" No one collects for investment purposes anyway - at least I hope not - and what does one do when your goofy nephew Fred gets the blades and even having some clue what they are worth doesn't care cause he got them for nothin - cut trees, sell for what he can get ! Probably should leave them to the board for a raffle Quote
watsonmil Posted January 19, 2010 Author Report Posted January 19, 2010 Geez, ... Brian you sound pessimistic. By the way I've always been pessimistic, ... that way I'm never disappointed ! I don't have a nephew named " Fred , ", .... but I do have a son named Raymond, ... and whenever I discuss my latest aquisition ... the words Ferrari, and Lamborghini pop up. I keep trying to explain the word is not Ferrari ... it's correct pronunciation is " Fuchi ", .... , and it's not Lamborghini, .... I think you're trying to say " Ha-agari kuri-juri ". Anyways he certainly is passionate about my leaving the collection to him. I am so very pleased at the sparkle in his eye whenever he looks at my treasures. So I guess I have nothing to worry about. I mentioned that they have to be kept clean, and he assured me he'd wipe them down and polish them every weekend ! Kind regards, ... Ron Watson Quote
Brian Posted January 19, 2010 Report Posted January 19, 2010 Dr B...I like that idea. I would be very happy if anyone here leaves the forum a sword or 2 in their will. :D Ron...I'm also the eternal pessimist. I like to say that "always expect the worst....that way things can only get better" Brian Quote
Jean Posted January 19, 2010 Report Posted January 19, 2010 This Tsuba has cost me thousnds ! My wife also :lol: :lol: :lol: (sorry could not help it - a side effect of the Burgundy Pinot Noir - red wine) Quote
Ford Hallam Posted January 19, 2010 Report Posted January 19, 2010 Jean, ...you have a wife?!!! You smooth talking Frenchman you :D ....must be that accent hugs, ( the effect of a Sancerre-like Chenin Blanc. See how our wines are sort of yin/yang neighbours) ford Quote
Jean Posted January 20, 2010 Report Posted January 20, 2010 Ford, You'll be surprised at my capacity of picking up accent :lol: :lol: Quote
watsonmil Posted January 20, 2010 Author Report Posted January 20, 2010 Thanks Eric, ... now we won't have members standing on their heads to read the signature. Regards, ... Ron Watson Quote
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