lach470 Posted August 20, 2008 Posted August 20, 2008 Hey gang! Here's a cool blade that I'm happy to have added to the collection. Possibly late 1800's / early 1900's made - would that make it Meiji? Was looking to add to my two ww2 Katanas....I like this piece. Hand made and in great condition, it has some Kanji on it - but it's very faded and pretty much impossible to make out. A shame - 'cause I'd love to know what it says. I took some pics but I don't think anyone will be able to help out on that - the writting is too far gone.Lots of pics to post. Couldn't get the right lighting so I tried direct sunlight...not the best pics but they'll do for now. Cheers gang!
lach470 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Posted August 20, 2008 ...You can see the temper line on this pic....
lach470 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Posted August 20, 2008 ...You can see the peg hole was "pushed" (hand done) rather than drilled....
lach470 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Posted August 20, 2008 (edited) Here's how the tanto sits now .... along with it's two older brothers! Cheers!Rob Edited August 20, 2008 by lach470
Paul L Murphy Posted August 20, 2008 Posted August 20, 2008 The Meiji era was from 1867 to 1912 so if it was made when you think it would be a Meiji era piece.Nice sword. Glad I never got into swords, all the other stuff is already expensive enough !
lach470 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Posted August 20, 2008 Hey Paul! I have to agree! Prices are high! I'm not that big into them....only have these three. Have more German daggers that are also a pricey item! Glad you like it. I have another Japanese collector who thinks it might be an even earlier piece. Will keep you posted. Cheers!Rob
Brian Wolfe Posted August 20, 2008 Posted August 20, 2008 Hi Rob,Very nice tanto. Do I understand that the Kanji is on the scabbard? If so have you tried looking at it under black light? Sometimes this brings up writing that has faded.Also you should display your katanas with the sharp edge up, that's the traditional way they should rest.As to price, my way of thinking is that these blades are priceless (even though everything has a price tag).Cheers Brian
lach470 Posted August 20, 2008 Author Posted August 20, 2008 Hey Brian! Thanks for the tip! I will turn them around for sure! I'll also have to get myself a black light and give that a try. I'd love to get it figured out .... looks like it was done with a "fat" instrument - the lines are quite thick. Glad you like it buddy .... yes, I too consider these priceless! These blades won't be going anywhere soon!Cheers!Rob
Brian Wolfe Posted August 21, 2008 Posted August 21, 2008 Hey Brian! Thanks for the tip! I will turn them around for sure! I'll also have to get myself a black light and give that a try. I'd love to get it figured out .... looks like it was done with a "fat" instrument - the lines are quite thick. Glad you like it buddy .... yes, I too consider these priceless! These blades won't be going anywhere soon!Cheers!RobHi Rob,What made me think of a black light was that I purchased a Sperm Whale tooth a few years ago (what the hell was I thinking? ) and there was some writing on the side. I couldn't read it at all but under the black light I could read it perfectly. It gave the location where the whale had been taken. I thought that was pretty cool, notwithstanding they are now endangered.Be sure to keep us updated.CheersBrian
Guest Rick Research Posted August 21, 2008 Posted August 21, 2008 Another trick I've discovered with my Epson scanner and limited computer technology (the antedeluvian "Paint" feature that I think might still be buried on every computer) is to scan and then "invert" the scan's colors for a negative effect. Works really well on Damascus patterns:Also try your writing "north and south" and then another scan "east and west." sometimes the scanner shadow moving produces different contrast if you hold something at 90% from what at first looks hopeless.
lach470 Posted August 21, 2008 Author Posted August 21, 2008 WOW...what a great idea....I'll also give that a try...Have the scanner so we'll see what I can find. That pic of your blade looks wonderful! VERY cool! Thanks for the advice!Cheers boys!Rob
MajorBloodnok Posted December 3, 2008 Posted December 3, 2008 Hi guys,welcome to the club.I was lucky to acquire an officer's shin-gunto in good condition at a reasonable price - 625 ?.That will have to remain my only acquisition as I already spend too much money on books!So long!Mike
lach470 Posted March 24, 2009 Author Posted March 24, 2009 Hello! No, the blade is unsigned. I believe the term is mumei.....could be wrong, I'm still learning! Thank you for the thumbs up! Now - if only I could get it to talk! Cheers!Rob
naoki matsumoto Posted March 24, 2009 Posted March 24, 2009 Hello! No, the blade is unsigned. I believe the term is mumei.....could be wrong, I'm still learning! Thank you for the thumbs up! Now - if only I could get it to talk! Cheers!RobHi,Rob!I have one of TANTO with name "HUKUDA",look loke your one!But your blade is better :cheers:
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