Interesting News Report

[Wickstrom]

 

Anyone ever seen this video or heard about this event? Same Hawley that wrote the sword-smith volumes? You can only begin to imagine what treasures could be in a sword collection that was worth millions of dollars way back then. I thought it was interesting so i figured i would share it.

[george trotter]

Hi,

yes I remeber this event well...I remember that the various Nihonto sword club members all over the world were advised and a list detailing his missing swords was published. I saw it in the UK Newsletter (I think I still have a copy somewhere). I do not think Willis got his swords back either, at least I don't remember hearing of such an outcome.

Regards,

George.

[Eric H]

Same Hawley that wrote the sword-smith volumes?

YES...a real drama

 

for sharing

 

Eric

[reinhard]

I do not think Willis got his swords back either, at least I don't remember hearing of such an outcome.

 

Quoting from the commemorative centenary edition of "Hawley's Japanese swordsmiths":

 

"Six months went by, then a year. Finally one blade surfaced at a gun show on the East Coast. It had been bought by a collector who upon further examination once home, determined it to be one listed as stolen from the Hawley collection. The collector returned the sword to Willis gratis. Then...nothing. Willis was devastated but he was also disgusted that collectors would collect so dishonorably."

 

Things haven't changed yet. I'm talking of the collection of swords of the late Mr. Indlekofer in Riehen, Switzerland. They were stolen in April 2003. All these swords are well-documented Juyo Token and they are still out there somewhere.

 

reinhard

[Wickstrom]

I personally think it is ridiculous that people steal Juyo-Token and expect to be able to sell them under the radar someday. You'd think if someone is going to spend $30,000+ on a piece of art they'd take the time to look into it and check the police reports...

[ububob]

You are quite right Andrew. Prudence and due diligence would seem to be in order, however brains, judgement and money are not synonymous as we see daily in the news.

[David Flynn]

There is a market for all stolen art, otherwise it would never be stolen!

[bluboxer]

Thanks for that link Andrew.

George; if you come across this list again would you please post it.