Shinshinto on flea-bay

[JamesH]

Hi all,

 

I am not sure if no one noticed this, or if there is something about it I am simply not seeing:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... K:MEWAX:IT

 

To my newbie eyes, looks quite healthy. Although unsigned, I like the way the nakago is finished, patina looks undisturbed. Had I not blown my budget late November, I would have snatched it up quick.

 

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated, especially if there is something I am not seeing.

 

 

 

James

P.S. Before you ask, no I am not affiliated with the seller in any way shape or form, just trying to benefit my own understanding.

[estcrh]

Dont be is such a rush...if something is not selling on ebay there is probably a reason. There are really great deals all the time on the "for sale" section here.

[Curgan]

I won't buy of ebay unless it is a forum member.

 

This one is no wonder IMHO. No good pics of the nakago.

[Kevin]

Most likely his starting bid is too high for the tastes of a lot of bidders and no one wants to be first. There are folk out there who think that they are going to get a nihonto, even good nihonto with papers, for the price of a Paul Chen sword or less, and that $1000 is the most that they should have to pay for any antique sword.

 

Haven't checked, but he may also have not checked the box to get it on the US and Canadian servers. Better pics of the nakago would have helped as well. And it is nearly Christmas and a bad global economic situation - lots of folks are spending money on other things.

 

Kevin

[Brian]

Overall I don't think it's a bad deal. I had that one bookmarked to watch what happens.

I think it is what it claims to be, nice, but not fantastic. Fair price.

But doesn't blow me away..so depends what you are after.

 

Brian

[ububob]

I note the seller is in Colstrip, Montana which is a rather remote and obscure location for nihonto.

[Jean]

I note the seller is in Colstrip, Montana which is a rather remote and obscure location for nihonto.

 

Sorry Bob, but this remark is neither complete nor conclusive.

 

Ask Ted Tenold and John A Stuart their whereabouts....

[JamesH]

Thank you for all your replies.

 

Perhaps you are right and it may be the obscure pics of the nakago, or just that time of year.

 

Unfortunately, I am in Oztralia, and a long way from inspecting the blade in person, but still it does take my fancy.

 

May be in a month or so, I might have to skip a mortgage payment, and hide from the wife for a week or two ... the things we do for these treasures of old :lol:

 

 

James

[David Flynn]

G'day James. This sword looks to me to be Gendai. It could be shinshinto, but I doubt it. The price is fair, however, unsigned Gendai are hard to move, unless mounted (civilian) and sold to a martial artist. I collect Gendai and stay right away from mumei gendai.

[ububob]

Jean, having lived there for two years I find my credentials impeccable. Besides, it (Montana kuni) is where I learned the gentle art of fly fishing. :D :D

 

Try that for complete and conclusive fella! :D

[Jean]

having lived there for two years

 

I don't call this "living", but making a stop over - ask Ted who's been there for years.

 

BTW, you are the living proof that aside Ted, there are (have been) people interested in Nihonto in Montana

[ububob]

Jean, Ted has been there for years because his parole officer will not allow him to leave the state. He was rumored to have been at the last SF show but I believe that was a virtual Ted and not the real item. :D

[Ted Tenold]

You guys....

 

Montana: Come for the Fly Fishing, stay for the Swords. :lol: Or, Montana; a drinking state with a fishing problem.

 

There are a few folks here that enjoy Nihonto, but yes, they are literally few and far between. David McDonald lives in Montana, but unfortunately on the exact opposite side of the State from me. This equates to about 8 hours drive. There are some others scattered about as well in places such as Great Falls, Kalispell and Polsen. I've attempted to start a study group here, but Montana is a very big place (4th largest state in the US), and this creates travel problems.

 

The gentleman in Colstrip has been involved with Nihonto for some time and I've seen his auctions before. Having never met him to my knowledge or transacted business with him, I can only say that his healthy quantity of impeccable feedback demonstrates something of his character and practices. I doubt he'd have any issue with answering questions based on this. He does comment that this piece is "massively thick" which is a trait I'd expect more of mumei Shinshinto than Gendaito. The kissaki also has an extended chu look to it which would also point me to Shinshinto. However the yasuri look more showa"ish" to me. I can see how the piece could make one vacillate between eras.

 

Oh, and Bob...the "parole" thing is just a cover story. My security credentials prevent me from explaining further, :lol: but my "double" did inform me that he'd met you at the SFTK. :D

[Jean]

Ted my friend,

 

This one I shall keep it forever, you should have worked in Ads

Montana; a drinking state with a fishing problem

[ububob]

Ted, both mottos would make great bumper stickers! However, at this point I will slip back into the anonymity of the Federal Witness Protection Program and allow this thread to return to the topic.

[lbkmd43]

I agree with Brian I think theb price is very reasonable the resat of all the commentary seems like gibberish and loses site if the question L.Kanarek MD

[Ed]

I have known the seller in question for somewhere around 10 years. He may be remotely located (I'm yet to figure how that plays on his collecting interests ??), but he is definately an honest, stand up guy. I'm sure if you have questions he will gladly provide answers.

[george trotter]

I would be inclined to the view that from the shape, length, nakago rust etc this is IMHO a gendaito...probably WWII period. Seems like creditable work, possibly a little hada ware in places. Not an unreasonable price although a mumei gendaito is hard to sell.

This brings the question up again...why not sign the work?

I suppose the answer lies in the practical experience expressed by Chris Bowen and others...

This may be a left-over sword from an offering or private commission (a number made, the very best one chosen). The ware and the shirasaya suggest this may be a left-over from a commissioned sword order and, being "imperfect", not signed by the maker? I guess we'll never know.

Regards,

George Trotter.

PS. the jokes remind me of the old saying "Work is the curse of the drinking classes".