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"Hearts" in Tsuba

Justin Grant

By Justin Grant
in Tosogu

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Justin Grant Experienced

Justin Grant

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Another Newbie question. I have a tsuba, and it has what appear to be hearts in the corners. The tsuba I have is in my uneducated opinion, not old, but a somewhat modern version. My question is, I have looked at a lot of tsuba, and few have the hearts, is this a school of design, or does it signify something different?

 

Photo of mine.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Justin

post-1946-14196776947577_thumb.jpg

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paulb Grand Master

paulb

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Stephen,

your not the first to see Mickey mouse in this piece (design not maker). Of course coming from the other side of the pond we tend not to recognise Disney so quickly :D

I bought this tsuba many years ago, in fact it was the first ever thing I bought from AOI-Art. swpped it for something and then it has recently come back to me. Nothing special but it has something that appeals (I dont think it is the MM connection)

cheers

Paul

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paulb Grand Master

paulb

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Hi Justin,

Although difficult to tell from the image provided, I think you are probably right and it is a late piece. Other fittings specialists on the board can confirm this with more authority than me.

regards

Paul

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Justin Grant Experienced

Justin Grant

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Although I can't comment on the age of this tsuba, it is a suaka tachi type tsuba, and quite simple. You have a kabutogane also in tachi or handachi style with a replacement for the sarute. A pic of the whole koshirae would help. John

 

The item is being shipped to me as we speak (type) and I will have detail pictures this week. This is the only other picture I have.

 

Why put Tachi parts on it? All new to me, but I am the human sponge.

post-1946-1419677695594_thumb.jpg

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Justin Grant Experienced

Justin Grant

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Justin,

I'd like to see a pic of the nakago...

 

Brian

 

Hi Brian-

 

I will get that tomorrow night, just checked the shipping, and it is slated for delivery tomorrow! I am told it is unsigned, 1700's era blade, faint light forging line is visable. To be honest, I am expecting the worst! Here are a few other non-discript photos. All I have not related to the tuska, tsuba, etc.

post-1946-14196776956947_thumb.jpg

post-1946-1419677695894_thumb.jpg

post-1946-1419677695999_thumb.jpg

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Justin Grant Experienced

Justin Grant

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Did you spend a whole lot of money on it? Was it purchased from a known dealer or on e-bay? Stephen may have hinted at what could be not really great news when in hand.

 

I purchased it from an antiques dealer in San Franciso. I have two weeks to return it if it is not an old handmade blade. He stated his "Sword Expert" validates all of the swords that come through his shop as handmade and machine made. His "Expert" said it was made in the 1700's and redone inn the current era in the current mounts. If this happens to be a cheap knock-off (Chinese Made) or a machine made blade he will return my money. I have this in e-mail and in conversation. I paid under $800 for it, so I don't expect a national treasure, but a decent conversation piece. As my knowledge grows, I can aquire better versions.

 

What do I need to look at to validate that it is not a knock-off or machine made? I am more interested in the blade and the mounts are secondary.

 

Holding my breath....

 

Justin

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Lee Bray Mentor

Lee Bray

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I've always wondered at the artistic license needed to translate a boar's eye into the heart shaped hole we see on koshirae.

Having seen many a boar's eye in person, they look nothing like a heart, they're just regular shaped eyes.

The snout(nose), on the the other hand, looks remarkably similar.

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Grey Doffin Grand Master

Grey Doffin

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What do I need to look at to validate that it is not a knock-off or machine made?

Books. You need to study before you buy swords, seriously. The sword looks very much like a Chinese piece made yesterday. The antique dealer in San Francisco with a validating expert sounds fishy also; beware.

Buy books and study. Attend sword shows and study. Ask to see collections and study. Study first; then buy swords.

Grey

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Justin Grant Experienced

Justin Grant

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I understand what you are saying. While I do not have the "experience" most of you have, I knew enough to stay away from e-bay, and other "auction" sites. I spoke to the owner of this company several times, and he assured me this was not a Chinese knock-off before I purchased it, and if it was discovered to be a fake or modern production item, unlike his "expert" assured him, I can return it. He has been in business for many, many years with a retail store.

 

If I was close, I would have had it in had before purchase, however, this was not an option, he is on the left coast, and I am in Indiana. I also know for what I paid, I am not going to get a national treasure, but a decent sword. It will be here around 3pm my time, and I will post pictures of it tonight. I will look at the nakago, and other indicators listed on the top of this site to rule out the obvious indicators of a fake.

 

I do appreciate the kind words, and support, I don't want to be one of the masses by purchasing junk sold as history.

 

Like all newbie in a hobby, I have a lot of learning to do. No disrespect intended, you all are way ahead of me, but I will learn!

 

Justin Grant

http://www.stardustracing.com

http://www.nitroallstars.com

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Jean

Jean

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Justin,

 

I have been collecting objects in different field for years. At the beginning, mistakes are unavoidable. Here in Nihonto you have the advantage of having found a forum which shall help you to avoid further ones and in this you are lucky.

The only lessons you have just learnt is to never buy anything (furniture, silverware ...) from this antiques dealer not because he has sold you a junk but because he does not know his job :cry: :cry:

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Justin Grant Experienced

Justin Grant

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Thanks Jean-

 

Unfortunately, I found this site after I made my purchase. I will hope, actually, pray, this is not a knock-off, and that I dodged a bullet. However, I know I have an option to return it and start over. I will be sure to post pictures tonight!

 

Jg

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