Seeking Opinion of Sword at auction.

[Crescent Moon]

Hello to all, I am brand new to your forum....Frankly Ive never been on a forum before. I have collected nihonto since the mid 90's. Recently I listed a sword on ebay, nagasa 28 1/2", muromachi period. I am no expert, but Ive studied enough to recognize a good or great blade. At least I thought I had. This one for me was a home run, though I'd not submitted it for Shinsa. The sword didnt reach reserve by a long shot. I lowered the reserve to $2000 and relisted it. I don't get it and Im reaching out to you all to check to see if Im crazy. I see mediocure gendaito, even some hantanto closing for more than two grand and have always just kind of chuckled. Now however its forcing me to question what I am missing. Would someone please take a look at it under ebay 290492132529 or search under seller CrescentMoonAntiquesAndSalvage. I guess Im just questioning myself with regards to my ability to assess a blade. If you dont want to go to ebay its on our web http://www.CrescentMoonAntiquesAndSalvage.com Thanks in advance for any insight.Regards J

[drdata]

Not quite sure this is what you were asking.

 

Why would I not buy this for 2k?

 

1. No return policy is a turn off.

 

2. Pics are not that great. (ebay listing only)

 

3. No pics of nakago

 

4. Buy the sword, not the story. I find the pitch a bit much and raises some alarms.

 

Just me though. As to why folks spend 1000s on phony or real but low-quality NCOs I cannot say. If the sword is as good as you believe, then I would list here with a return privilege and good tang pics. Folks here will know a bargain.

 

Regards

 

Edit: A 5th point is lack of previous auctions for nihonto and related paraphernalia. Last sword sold was in 07. Folks on ebay want a bargain. If I am going to pay a dealer price might as weal deal with a dealer that is known for this type of material.

 

PS> Stephen, did you spot something nefarious in that url? Do we all get our emails snagged when we view ebay items? With my moniker you think I would know, but I deal in the network, layers 1-4, not data processing at 5-7, which is where the html/cgi comes in.

[Stephen]

nice try to get my email and name,

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 3D1&_rdc=1

[mdiddy]

I agree with Harry's thoughts (especially pics of the nakago) and would add the following:

 

First, I would want to know who performed the polish.

 

Second, why not have it papered first and then offer it for sale. Buyers of mumei koto will surely value a reputable paper if they only have online pics to make an expensive decision. There was a US Shinsa this year and might be one next year so no excuses.

 

Third, I would drop the "US recognized Nihonto expert" unless you are willing to state a name or specify certifications. Instead, why not suggest who made the blade and cite references (published, not people's word) to bolster the opinion.

 

Fourth, Muromachi swords don't have the highest reputation for quality. Also, what evidence suggests Muromachi and not Nambokucho or Keicho Shinto? Maybe I would show the evidence proving Muromachi either pictorially or at least talk about it.

 

Fifth, numerous spelling errors makes me question if I should believe the person selling this (this is only my personal opinion and criteria for buying so it may not bother others).

 

Finally, if you really want to sell it then start it for $.99 and don't set a reserve.

 

Hope that helps.

 

Matt

[sanjuro]

A couple of straight from the shoulder comments for what they may be worth.

 

The ebay listing is offputting for me at least. I dont need the spiel, I need to see the sword in the highest possible definition and the nakago. Spelling mistakes put me off. I got about halfway through the listing spiel and clicked out from sheer frustration. Facts not speculation! Your opinion means nothing unless you are an authority. Better to say nothing, Or say only what you can prove, have high quality pics and let the buyers judge the sword for themselves. A return policy is adviseable.

 

Your website is a trade website by the look and text on the header page. Nothing about Nihonto so why should I look there for a sword? I also do not give out my name and email details in order to enter a website. Nice try........

[Crescent Moon]

I should clarify, I'm not interested in your names or your emails. Frankly I don't understand where that is coming from. I don't typically sell swords and the website was not designed for that. I don't know what you mean by having to provide that information to enter the website. I had no interest in drawing your attention for the purpose of selling you architectural antiques. It is however, where I hosted the photos. My apologies for spelling errors, thats on me. With regards to not revealing the people who have examined the sword or polished it, my thought was that I would be barrowing against the credibility of others and have always believed work should be judged on its own merit. Should have said less, I can see that and agree. With regards to return, correct me of course, but I offered a three day evaluation period. I did the best I could with the photos. Certainly an overall and better close ups of the nakago would be beneficial. Finally with regards to shinsa (or other restoration) and the issue of waiting until that was done. I hadn't really planned on selling the sword. A family opportunity arose and I decided to sell the sword but I don't really need to. Thanks for your imput. J

[jason_mazzy]

If you click the products link at the top, you go to the page. i think the page layout was confusing. You only need to signup if you want to be on the mailing list.

 

 

The confusion is that the links up top are kinda easy to over look, so when you scroll down it looks like you have to sign up, but u do not.

 

http://www.crescentmoonantiquesandsalva ... ductID=195

 

is the direct link so no one sees the opening paage.

[Toryu2020]

J -

Don't pay too much attention to Steve he is always a little tongue-in-cheek. It is true the page is laid out in such a way that makes it unclear what exactly we were supposed to do with that link. Your sword may be very nice indeed but without the proper photos people will assume the worst and walk away. No one is saying you are evil, simply that evil people selling questionable swords have listed items with similar shortcomings in the listing.

 

You asked for input, don't take it too much to heart, but you might consider correcting some of the things mentioned before re-listing your sword if that is your intention...

-t

[Stephen]

J -

Don't pay too much attention to Steve he is always a little tongue-in-cheek.

 

yea toms right don't pay me no mind, just old grump I am, sorry i did not check you page with more care, we do get a lot of fishers here wanting emails and personal info...sorry once more...that's it no more groveling from me.

 

edit to add, your welcome for me adding link so ppl dont have to cut and paste your ebay numbers.

[Curran]

Looks like a David Hofhine polish?

 

Cresentmoon: please follow forum rules of etiquette and use a true proper name.

[Grey Doffin]

I also was interested to learn who polished the sword. Will you tell us, please.

Thanks, Grey

[Jamie]

"I should clarify, I'm not interested in your names or your emails. Frankly I don't understand where that is coming from. "

 

I think folks may have assumed you had to register to look at the products on your page, which is not required. As Stephen points out-there is a lot of fishing that goes on so folks here are careful.

[drdata]

Noting that the ebay header states:

 

"Returns: No returns accepted. Covered by eBay Buyer Protection- opens in a new window or tab. "

 

However, a ways down in the description it does state 3 day inspection if other than described. I'd update the main ebay listing to reflect this. Somehow seems more official and definitely more noticeable.

 

Also, most guarantee only against fatal flaws/condition as the act of kantei is somewhat subjective. Perhaps here you are also guaranteeing the anonymous expert's judgment as to maker and era. May want to clarify either way.

 

Regards