Melbourne,Australia Show

[Jim P]

Hi All, I just got back from the Collectibles Antique & Modern - Medals – Militaria -Swords- Show at the Royal Show Grounds,

and was surprised that I found only 3 Japanese swords 2 from II w/war not nihonto and 1 Wakizashi

and a man who makes Japanese swords is that normal as I have not gone to one for 10 years .

[David Flynn]

Unfortunately yes. Adrian Schlemmer and myself Had a table at the Sydney show for quite a while. However, the amount of interest does not warrant us attending any longer.

[ububob]

Do you believe this represents a declining interest in nihonto or is it a reflection of the state of the global economy?

[David Flynn]

Australia only has a small population. We don't have a dedicated sword show (although we had a shinsa and show last year). Nihonto, being a particular niche, isn't "out there," like some other artforms. Also, the distance between major centres is also a great handicap.

[Jim P]

Hi David, Yes it was a surprise how long ago was it when you were going? I had the feeling that I was not the only one looking.

I think a lot of the problem is getting good quality swords/fittings as a lot of low quality stuff was getting around for a long time. I had a coffee with a old friend who had a shop that for years sold Japanese swords when I showed him some photos he made the comment that he does not see swords in good polish like that. You think maybe that's the case? I thought we do have collectors as we see them on the net and the shinsa and show in 2009 lets hope someone gives it a try again. I even had the thought for a moment , not so much for the money just to let people see whats out there but if you not making the fees you can not keep that up we will see how it goes thanks for you thoughts :D

[David Flynn]

The last time was 6 mths ago. Adrian has high quality swords and fittings, however, these have the least interest. The swords that sell at arms fairs are, Gunto and NCO. It appears the discerning collector, doesn't bother to much with arms fairs, except to see if a sleeper turns up.

[Jim P]

Hi David,It seems that we are finding it harder to find in oz and as you say its not out there, (Nihonto, being a particular niche,)

Do you think people still have a interest or that the numbers are slowly going down? It seemed better say,10 years ago. Thanks for your thoughts :D

[nihontoau]

Jim

 

We were at the March Melbourne arms fair and had a lot interest from collectors ,We had lots of swords in full polish there, Unfortunatley we were in Japan for the recent show, but will attend the March show next year,

 

John

 

Nihonto Australia