London Meeting Reports 

 

Meeting in London – 24th March 2010

The meeting began at 19.00 and was introduced by the Chairman, Clive Sinclaire. There were apologies for the absence of Maurice Hayes who was indisposed, but there were twelve members and guests present. Mr Eddie Wertheim was thanked for his generous hospitality at the recent "sales" exhibition that he had hosted at his business premises, The Japanese Gallery, in Kensington Church Street, London. An example of Paul Martin’s new Kantei handbook was present and recommended to those present. Light refreshments were available.

A total of ten swords had been brought along for study as well as two tsuba As is the normal custom at the meetings, the owners were asked to describe and explain the examples that they had brought along. As he was already on his feet, the descriptions were begun by Clive Sinclaire. He had brough along the two tsuba, one of which was a Machi-bori Soten school piece with the classic design of many armoured samurai in combat. The other piece was a shakudo plate with a well carved dragon and amid plum-? blossom, signed on the ura, Norimitsu Saku. Both of these were of 19th century manufacture

Tsuba signed on the ura "Norimitsu saku Mumei Soten school tsuba

He also bought an attractive mumei, shinshinto tanto, complete with its silver mounted hamidashi-tanto koshirae which will be entered into shinsa soon. Clive also brought along a large shinto katana by Echizen Shigetaka. This is described at length on this website under UK Sword Register, No. 105.

This was followed by Mr David Maynard showing two koto Mino katana. The first piece was a typical Kanemoto style sanbon-tsugi hamon. David’s research would seem to indicate that this was probably by the 5th generation Kanemoto as the Hozon certificate gave no indication as to which generation it might be. The second was a graceful piece signed Kanenobu, with an o-kissaki and complete with an attractive koshirae.

Mr Trevor Read had brought along two interesting koto blades, one o-suriage and purporting to be Nao-Shizu with 5 mekugi-ana and of large Namboku-cho period proportions. The second, which had a fine chirimen-hada was thought to be Ko-Aoi from Bitchu province and may have been late Kamakura period work.

Mr Fred Stride continued the Echizen theme started by Clive with a fine blade signed Echizen ju (on the ura and Kazusa (no) Kami Fujiwara Munemichi on the omote. This appears to be the first of six generations named Munemichi working in Echizen during the Edo period. Fred also brought along a Mino blade of grand proportions, a wide togari-ba hamon with a strong zori, features of the Genroku period (1688-1704). This sword was by Mino (no) Kami Fujiwara Jumyo. Fred also spoke of the Metropolitan Museum of New York’s exhibition catalogue at which our President, Mr Victor Harris, delivered a talk which may be viewed on the museums website. The catalogue, although not inexpensive, illustrates and discusses many National Treasure pieces.

Finally, Mr Rob Warren showed two swords that he had bought along. Coincidentally, one was another katana by the nidai Echhizen Shigetaka. Both the Shigetaka in the room were from the Kanbun period but very different in shape, this latter one being typical Kanbun-shinto sugata lLack of zori, tapering towards a ko-kissaki) whilst the first was of Namboku-cho period proportions. The final sword was a mumei blade that had been attributed to Myoshi Nagamichi.

Throughout the meeting there was a healthy discussion mainly regarding the shape of blades. The meeting finished at 21.00

Report by Clive Sinclaire

 

December 11th 2008

Eighteen members were present and three wives were welcomed as guests. Included in this number were two new members. Refreshments, including sandwiches and wine were available and the chairman, Clive Sinclaire, opened the proceedings by explaining the format.

The first part was a review of the finances of the Society by the secretary, Mr Maurice Hayes. The cash situation remained healthy and Mr Hayes passed a written report to those present. Membership currently stands at 149.

Only three swords were laid out for viewing. The chairman felt it necessary to briefly explain the sword etiquette to be observed. This was mainly for the new members present but was a reminder to all. It was stated that swords should be viewed before any alcohol was taken, for obvious reasons. The swords were, as follows:

1)      A pleasant Osoraku-tsukuri wakizashi, the mei being Nagasone Okisatao (Kotetsu) and dated Enpo 3rd year. It is almost certainly gimei and Clive had drawn an oshigata of this piece. (see on this website UK Sword Register 94 for this sword).

2)      A new acquisition was a long wakizashi with Suguha hamon in nioi and nezumi-ashi and a type of utsuri, probably shirake but as the blade needed a polish, it was difficult to see clearly. Nevertheless, possibly a good Mino sue-Seki blade.

3)      A Shobu-zukuri wakizashi in the style of Hizen Tadayoshi.

After all had viewed the swords, the chairman gave a brief summary of his recent trip to Japan, illustrated on a Powerpoint Presentation. This may be seen in detail on this website in the Member’s Area, headed “A Busy Week in Tokyo”. Clive had met and been photographed with a number of interesting people including polishers and a descendant of the Tokugawa family.

Next, our President, Mr Victor Harris gave us a talk and another Powerpoint Presentation on the history of the Chiddingstone Castle collections and the castle’s owner Mr D Bower, who died at the age of 72. The collections include good lacquer examples as well as Japanese swords and armour. More info on the castle may be found on www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Both talks were informative and enjoyable. The meeting finished at 21.00 hours.

A V Norman

London Dec 18th 2008

 

LONDON MEETING REPORT – MAY 2008

Reported by A V Norman

 

Thirteen members plus one wife gathered at Tavistock Square on Thursday 22nd May. There were no specific subjects for the meeting, in terms of lectures or talks etc. Refreshments were provided.

The meeting was called to order at 7.00 pm and the chairman, Clive Sinclaire reported on the latest situation, as he saw it, regarding the government’s sword ban. As had been anticipated, the Home Office’s guidelines were unclear and confusing and both HM Revenue and Customs and certain Police Forces were making errors of interpretation. Several swords had been seized by the Customs in Coventry but these had now been released, apparently after much lobbying by the owners. Kent police, as part of their Safe Spring initiative, have broadcast inaccurate information stating that anyone caught with a “samurai sword” faced huge fines and up to seven years in jail.  The Home Office have undertaken to correct this latter misapprehension by these over-zealous guardians of the law! As the initially Bill made law on 6th April is so poorly and confusingly presented, an amendment will soon be put before Parliament to address the problems that it has caused so unnecessarily.

Clive Sinclaire then spoke briefly about the recent sales in London, both of which are extensively reported elsewhere on this website (see London Saleroom Report – May 08 under Articles). He then spoke briefly about each of the swords brought along that evening. These were:

1    The katana signed Nobuhide, famous for its fantastic gilded horimono that was left by BW Robinson to the present owner and is also discussed and illustrated on this website under Articles.

2     A Hizen-to with an NBTHK Hozon certificate attributing it to the 8th generation Tadayoshi. Clive felt that the blade had a stronger zori than one would normally expect to find in either a Hizen-to or a blade of this late manufacture. Unfortunately the polish had been damaged and it was due to be refinished and restored. The beautifully carved go-ji mei was commented on.

3     A koto o-wakizashi signed Norimune. This was hira-zukuri and although the jihada was very worn and difficult to see, there were many good hataraki  to be found in the hamon.

4     A stunning Yamato blade of the Hosho school with the Honami kinpun-mei (gold lacquered) attributing the blade to Hosho Sadamune, the founder of the school. The main feature of this school is that the jihada is pure masame-hada, which was sometimes imitated by smiths in both the Shinto and shinshinto periods. The sword, which is ex Sir Frank Bowden and Bon Dale, was accompanied by koshirae.

5    An Echizen  wakizashi with very shallow zori tapering to a small kissaki, a sugata that is associated with the Kanbun period, complete with koshirae.

The meeting closed at 9.00 pm.

LONDON MEETING – 28TH FEBRUARY 2008

Reported by A V Norman

 

14 members and one guest were present at the meeting which started promptly at 19.00. The first piece of business was presented by Clive Sinclaire, who had been sent a copy of the Order laid before Parliament concerning the sword ban, and issued on the previous day. Amazingly enough, it would seem from the wording of this document, that all swords over 50 cm “from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade” would be illegal from 6th April 2008 EXCEPT FOR JAPANESE SWORDS!!! described in the document as “being “made in Japan before 1954 or was made at any other time according to traditional methods of forging”. This covers everything we collect, including Shinsakuto and even Showa-to. * (see below)

Clive has now made a couple of suggestions at the Home Office’s request whereby the definition may be amended and he is endeavouring to have “cultural and educational activities” included under the “permitted activities” section.

Clive also said that, after discussion with senior members of the Society,  the Society was considering re-opening for membership. This was mainly to give support to collectors after the April sword ban. Members would be required to sign up to our “Code of Good Practice” and they would then be issued with a card that certified they were bona-fide collectors. Details of this would be announced later.

Following this, two DVD’s were shown, the first showing the complete process of sword making. This DVD is issued by the All Japan Swordsmith’s Association and has a good English soundtrack, the translation provided by member Paul Marin. This excellent DVD showed in great detail the selection of both Kawagane and Shingane and demonstrated the Kobuse method of combining them. The second DVD showed excellent work by modern swordsmiths who are members of the Murakamikai. I found them both very informative and enjoyable. (copies are available – please contact me)

Several swords  were present for viewing after the DVD showings. These were:

1) A beautiful Awataguchi blade that had Juyo Token status. It was mumei and suriage  but attributed to Kuniyasau. It was in excellent condition and had the most graceful shape and beautiful jihada associated with early Yamashiro-den. It was indeed a great treat to see this sword again.

2) A blade with the mei “Bishu Osafune Yasumitsu” and dated Oei 32nd year was in rather poor condition and may have suffered heat damage, probably from being buffed. There was some doubt about the authenticity and age of the blade, but condition prevented precise appraisal.

3) A so-called Shinken or modern sword complete with koshirae and made for Iai-do. This sword was made in the Czech Republic and was an amazing thing. The well made blade had a fantastic ko-choji-midare hamon mostly in nioi, with some tobiyaki. There was also a full length bo-hi. However, the jigane looked very dark, whilst the jihada was muji-hada in style. It was mumei but I have seen a number of such swords that are signed and they are very skilfully made and are probably excellent pieces for Iai-do.

4)A katana that the owner’s research led him to believe was Nao Shizu work from the Nambokucho period. There was very little detail to be seen as the condition was not good, but the hamon appeared to have been treated with acid and to be very Mino in appearance. The nakago had 4 mekugi-ana but had also been over-cleaned with acid. It was certainly either Nambokucho or Shinshinto but difficult to tell in such condition.

5) A Taisho period katana in good polish and made by Minamoto Yoshichika. This sword had a very robust sugata and resembled the workmanship of Motoshige. It had a NBTHK Hozon certificate.

I also brought along some photographs of Abe Kazunori polishing a number of blades including  Tokubetsu Juyo swords.

Our thanks to Maurice Hayes for organising the facilities and the refreshments. The meeting finished at 21.00.

----oo0oo----

*

This has quite understandably caused quite an uproar in the antique weapons and militaria world as it has come out of nowhere! I cannot believe that it will be carried through as many of the swords made post 1908 would be effected (antiques over 100 years old are already exempt – I believe). None of these swords were included in the consultation process and I am sure that it will be amended. In fact, I have made suggestions to the Home Office how a very minor alteration to the wording will bring it back to where it was intended to be.

Clive Sinclaire

London Meeting – 5th December 2007

Reported by A V Norman

 

This meeting was the A G M plus the second part of Clive Sinclaire’s lecture on Hizen-t. Eleven members plus one wife attended.

The meeting started at 1900 hours with Clive Sinclaire doing the second part of his Hizen-to lecture, this one being a Powerpoint Presentation comprising of some thirty slides. I personally missed the first half given at the last meeting but it was obvious that much time and work had gone into this highly detailed and informative presentation. The lecture was followed by an update of the club’s financial situation by Treasurer / Secretary, Mr Maurice Hayes. The situation continues to be healthy.

This was followed by a sword viewing of the swords brought along by several of those attending. These may be summarised, as follows:

1)     Gendaito by Kanezane which was in a half polished state and included photographs of it, from kissaki to mono-uichi, in its previously extremely rusted condition. These showed no visible line of the shinogi, ko-shinogi or yokote. Now, however, 90% of the rust has been removed and all lines reinstated and restored to the kaisei-nagura stage of polishing.

2)     A mumei koto katana, o-suriage with 2 mekugi-ana. No yasurime visible on the nakago which, together with the blade had been “cleaned” with acid prior to restoration.

3)     A large moroha zukuri (double edged) katana, most probably late shinshinto, with the gimei Bizen Yosaemon Sukesada, in shira-saya.

4)     A good mumei hira-zukuri katana with NBTHK Hozon paper attributing the blade to chu-Mihara school.

5)     A very good shinshinto but mumei katana in the Bizen style with choji-gunome midare hamon in nioi-deki. This had NBTHK Hozon attribution to Koyama Munetoshi, in shira-saya.

6)     A gendaito with full length bo-hi signed Kanefusa and Kiku Ichimonji.

7)     A slender katana, the hamon finishing in yakiotoshi about an inch above the machi. Mumei and possibly saiha (re-tempered) in good Kai-gunto mounts.

8)     A katana with Kanbun-shinto sugata, one of the straightest blades that I have ever seen (incidentally, a favourite shape of Bill Tilly’s!), in modern mounts and new saya.  Signed Echizen (no) Kuni Ju Harima Daijo Fujiwara Shigetaka (probably nidai).

After the sword viewing, light refreshments were available to all.

 

13th June 2007

Reported by A V Norman

 

The meeting was held at our usual venue of the Baiforth Rooms in Tavistock Square, in London. The meeting was attended by eleven members plus two wives.

The chairman, Clive Sinclaire, opened the meeting with a report updating the situation regarding the proposed government ban on “samurai swords”. He read a response to the e-petition on the PM’s website. This basically stated that the Home Office consultation period had finished at the end of May, it would be studied and the government’s reaction would be made in the autumn, probably October of this year. On the same subject, the chairman also read from the editorial of Classic Arms & Armour magazine. In a section called the The Last Word, a frank view of the Home Office proposal was expressed directly and forcefully.

This prompted some discussion after which a letter from Ian Bottomley, chairman of the Northern Token Society was read to the meeting. In it, Ian said that any of our members would be welcome to Northern To-ken meetings should they be in the area at the time. They would also be welcome at his home. This letter was sent to me after the Seni weekend in London which was well attended by our colleagues from the north. I have replied with a reciprocal offer.

Clive mentioned that he had been in Liverpool recently and, as well as acquiring an interesting piece, had spent an enjoyable lunch with a number of Northern To-ken members. He also said how much he had enjoyed the Seni event in London, and how the efforts of Paul Martin were greatly appreciated in this respect. #

Following this, I also spoke about what a great and rewarding time Seni had been for me  personally. I was especially impressed by the warmth and generosity of spirit that was displayed by Abe Kazunori and his son Soichiro, as well  Ono Yoshimitsu sensei. However, I was also somewhat surprised to see only a few Southern members in attendance. I was there for both days

There were several swords at the meeting, as follows:

1) A wakizashi in shira-saya, possibly Odawara Soshu, polished on the ura in my normal way and on the omote, in a more subtle way after discussion with Abe sensei.

2) A large shinshinto katana signed Mitsuhiro, complete with koshirae.

3) A sue-koto Mino tanto in shira-saya, much sunagaeshi throughout, in the style of Kanesada, signed Kanetaka. (the owner, one of our founder members, mentioned that these 2 pieces had cost £14 for the katana and £4 for the tanto. Of course he was offered a small profit on both of them!)

4) A good gendaito from the mid-Showa period by Hokke Saburo Nobufusa. This sword had a Hozon paper. It was in shira-saya but also had good quality gunto koshirae.

5) A good Meiji period tanto, signed Fujiwara Yoshishige and dated Meiji Gannen, also with Hozon paper from the NBTHK.

6) A small magari yari in beautifully made shira-saya with a Koyama Munetoshi mei (see UK Sword Reg No. 88 for further details).

More on the Seni show is to be found on our website under “Members Area”.

 

To-Ken Society Meeting

26th April 2007

Tavistock Square, London

Report by A V Norman

A special meeting, at our usual venue in Tavistock Square,  to discuss the draft reply to the Home Office sword ban consultation was held on 26th April (the response must be in by 28th May). This was prepared by our Chairman over the past 3  months.

Considering the potential importance of this meeting, it was quite poorly attended, in all 9 members and one guest. The meeting started at approximately 7.00 pm.

Clive read out a letter from the Northern To-ken that explained their response to the Home Office proposal. Their understandable approach was that protecting the interests of their members and the collecting of Japanese swords was all that mattered. This was at some variance to Clive’s thinking, which was that this outlook lent credence to a proposal that was fundamentally flawed and morally wrong and somehow, this should be stated. Of course,  preserving our right to collect Japanese swords was of paramount importance but it was uncomfortable to register no protest whatsoever. Generally, the meeting concurred with this.

A copy of the draft response, which took on board some of the points raised by our northern colleagues, was given to all those present and they were requested, as soon as possible,  to come back to Clive should they have any comments. Some good points were raised at the meeting and will also be included in our response.

Our thanks to Clive for his work in the preparation of the document. As this discussion was somewhat lengthy, little time was left for sword viewing and there were only 4 swords present anyway.

1)      A superb gendaito with an absolutely stunning activities within the hamon, to my mind, a special order sword and signed Ten Shin Shi Taira Sadashige Saku. It had an NTHK paper and had been given 75 points at shinsa.

2)      A very strongly curved wakizashi in handachi mounts, signed Kosuke Daijo Hisakuni. See UK Sword Reg on the website for oshigata and full details of this sword.

3)      A Kowakizashi by Gammaku Ujinobu, with shiorasaya and NTHK papers.

4)      A Tachi attributed to “Shinto Jumyo” at NBTHK shinsa, in shirasaya, also late but good tachi koshirae.

All blades were in good condition and polish.

 

 

To-Ken Society Meeting

8th March 2007

Tavistock Square, London

 

Thirteen members (some may say a coven!), one guest plus one wife were present.

The return of a past member, Mr Anthony Gibb was most welcome as was the presence of our President Mr Victor Harris, accompanied by a sword.

Our Chairman, Mr Clive Sinclaire called the meeting to order after coffee and biscuits. He spoke about the Home Office proposal to ban “Samurai Swords”. The latest development is the consultation paper that has been issued  and there are links to our website which is thankfully up and running after a brief hic-up a few weeks ago.

It is plain to see that our Chairman is still keeping a close eye on all developments and working hard on our behalf. He pointed out that there is close contact and liaison on this matter with our colleagues in the Northern To-Ken Society.

Clive intends to draft a reply to the consultation paper for us all to see before it is sent off.

As the closing date for the consultation is 28th May, a meeting will be called before this deadline. It is therefore advisable, if you own a sword, that you attend this meeting which will be announced on the website.

Swords At The Meeting:

1) A naginata-zukuri large katana inscribed Sa Yasuyoshi.

2) A superb gendaito by Ikkansai Kasam Shigetsugu with a stunning Fudo-kaen Horimono, a special order sword made for Adolf Hitler (See sword register Number 48).

3) Katana by Koyama Munetsugu made for Aseomon Yoshimasa head of the family of testers. The more I see it the more I see into it.

4) A wakizashi in a poor state of polish with the mei, Yasatsugu oite echizen saku kore, with Aoi-mon and thought to be the 3rd generation Echizen swordsmith.

5) An o-suriage katana with kuchigaiba, a yakitsune boshi and unofficially attributed to the Yamato Tegai school. Although not in the best state of polish, a lovely old sword accompanied by its koshirae.

6) A tanto in excellent polish signed Bishu Ju Masahiro Saku. There were three generations named Masahiro in the ko-mihara school and this is thought to be by the second. The sword came from Ron Gregory and was traded for a military hilt many years ago. It is a stunning example.

7) A Shinto katana with the mei Hizen Kuni Tadayuki.

8) A gendaito in shirasaya with a graceful sugata and dated March 1945. It was signed Hizen Kuni Yoshitada and also had a special order inscription, the customer being one Takahashi Shoji. Apparently it is understood that this smith had verbal instructions passed on to him by the last Tadayoshi.

9) Finally a rather large katana with thick kasane and a wide mihaba. This was a heavy sword in an ornate koshirae and was thought to be by the sixth generation of the mainline Tadayoshi family with the mei Hizen Kuni Omi (no) Kami Tadayoshi.

The following fittings were on display.

Mitokoromono: Consisting of a kodzuka, kogai and menuki (Edo period). Possibly Ishiguro style, similar to the Goto style. Shakudo-nanako depicting court musicians and musical items, all in fitted box.

Mitokoromono: Consisting of a kodzuka, kogai and menuki (Edo period) Higo-kinko, depicting bamboo screens. NBTHK Hozon certificate, fitted box.

Futokoromono: Kodzuka and kogai (Edo period). Possibly Mito school. Red copper with ishime ground with swallows in flight with fitted box.

Reported by A.V. Norman.    

 

 

TO-KEN December 2005 Meeting and AGM

Ten members attended.

Clive Sinclaire (Chairman) suggested swords to be viewed then put away before wine and snacks served.

Clive gave a talk which was well received and enjoyed on his recent trip to Japan whilst referring to laptop images showing a wonderful historical procession through the ages in Kyoto along with the sites of Himeji and Niso castles.

Tony Norman showed some examples of his lacquer work on a ko wakizashi mount which was quite impressive.

M. Hayes presented the society’s accounts.

 

Swords on display.

Wakizashi Mumie Hira-zukuri Shinshinto Soshu style.

Shinto wakizashi Isido school, Mei, Norinaga

Katana Kozuri school showing utsuri. Muromachi period in gunto mounts.

Katana Showa period, Mei, Nobutake. Tokyo workshop dated 1943, a very good Gendai-to.

Katana Mei, Yamato no Kami Yasumichi.

Katana/Tachi sugata like Tachi. Possibly early Muromachi.

Katana Showa period. Mino Hamon San Bon Sugi in Military mounts.

Katana Shinto period Mei, Izumi No Kami Fujiwara Kunisada a good blade in shirasaya.

Koto Tanto Mumei

Koto Tanto Mino Kanesaki with sayagaki.. made in middle Christian era 1500’s by Kanesaki of Mino.

 

Comments by Tony Norman on the special meeting held 8.05.06 arranged by Paul Martin, Clive Sinclaire and Maurice Hayes.

Guest Speaker Mr Tatsuya Fujishiro

Son of Okisato Fujishiro and Grandson of Matsuo Fujishiro.

This was a rare chance to meet a man from one of the top schools of polishing in Japan. His presentation with references to stunning photographic slides was ably translated by Mr Paul Martin.

For me personally it was good to hear that collectors and museums in Japan favour sashikomi polish these days.

It was a great evening as all attending remarked how very much they enjoyed the event.

A big well done to Paul, Clive and Maurice.

TO-KEN SOCIETY MEETING, 6th July 2006

Report by Tony Norman

  There were nine of the usual “old faces”, one new face and two wives in attendance. It is odd that those who shouted loudest at the AGM not so long ago, to keep the Society alive, are those that rarely make the effort to attend. Indeed, with the uncommon heat wave at the moment, it was a real effort to get there, especially on public transport.

The Chairman opened the informal meeting and suggested, as there were some nine swords on the table, that we looked at and discussed the blades first, after only a short discussion on the forthcoming sales at Sotheby’s and Christie’s in London. (catalogues were there for the members to browse through).

Members are encouraged to discuss the swords, which they bring to meetings. Clive spoke first about his sword, an early shinto wakizashi with a strong and robust sugata by the first generation Hizen Yukihiro that has Tokubetsu Hozon designation. The sword was in a beautiful polish by Kenji Mishina and for a full explanation of this sword, see the UK Sword Register on our web site.

Next, David Maynard had two shinto wakizashi, which had both recently, returned from NBTHK shinsa in Japan. The first of these was attributed to Akifusa of the Owari Seki school (Hozon) and was a broad strong blade. The second was by Harima Daijo Fujiwara Masatsuna and was also Hozon.

Next, Trevor Read showed an o-suriage katana in Shingunto mounts which dated from the late Nambokucho / early Muromachi period and had been given a Ko-zori school attribution. His second sword was almost certainly gimei, signed Tsuda Echizen Sukehiro and had a tapering sugata with horimono on both sides of the blade. The owner believes it to be a copy and probably made by a shinshinto smith such as Gassan Sadakazu.

Maurice Hayes brought along a large sized naginata by Koyama Munetsugu. It is signed with Munetsugu’s Bizen (no) Suke title and is a stunning work of art in steel. Please refer to our web site for detailed information on this piece. The owner also brought along a full size oshigata that had been drawn by the chairman on 1st Jan 2000.

Vincent brought along a sword he had recently acquired. Although in poor condition and with Shingunto mounts, the shinshinto blade was signed Shinano (no) Kami Fujiwara Daido. Finally, our latest member also brought a poor condition shinshinto blade, with a broad sugata repeated gunome hamon signed Kuniyuki, I believe. Finally, a late koto naginata blade, which was mumei and o-suriage, was shown. This had some o-hada and a mitsu-mune and many hataraki were visible in the hamon.

After the swords, a discussion on the proposed UK ban on so-called samurai swords was discussed by everyone. Clive gave all the up to date information that he had and it appeared that most members in the room had written to their MP or the Home Office. Any that had not, were urged to do so. There are letters of guidance on the web site. As is to be expected in cases such as this, there are plenty of ideas as to what may happen, but all is still speculation at the moment.

REPORT ON DECEMBER 06 MEETING (AGM)

Reported by A V Norman

  The meeting was attended by 13 members and 3 ladies. Snacks, coffee, wine etc were arranged by Secretary Maurice Hayes who also provided an account of the Society’s financial affairs. He pointed out that, even after certain expenses were incurred (room hire, postage, stationary, hotel room etc.) the account was only £82 less than the balance for the previous year as expenses had been set against a modest income from interest earned and contributions to the room hire.

Our Chairman, Clive Sinclaire explained the reasons behind the cancellation of the planned International Conference on Japanese Swords and Armour, which was to be held at the Royal Armoury in Leeds last October. This was because of the serious illness of Mr Ian Bottomley, chief curator and organiser. This he followed by the account of a sword recently donated to the Society by Burma Vet, Mr Horner at Southend Police Station on Nov 7th (a full account of this may be found elsewhere on this website). Mr Tony Norman offered to restore this gendaito blade at no cost to the Society. Although no firm decision was made, it was suggested that maybe the sword would be offered for sale via Bonhams auction house, if they could be persuaded to forego their commission and then the proceeds would be donated to the Burma Star Association.

Clive also spoke briefly on the proposed ban on “samurai swords” and again full details of this may be found on our website.

Mr T Read informed the meeting that the date coincided with the 303rd anniversary of the famous incident of the 47 ronin’s attack on Lord Kira.

The meeting then proceeded to look at the swords which had been brought along for discussion and as normal, the owners introduced them. It was good to see that most of them were in a good state of polish. The swords included:

 

1)   The previously mentioned Burma Star sword, a gendaito by Kanenori dated Showa 18th year, 1st month.

2)    A stunning blade signed Hizen Kuni Kawachi Daijo Fujiwara Masahiro (1st generation) Tokubetsu Hozon and with koshirae. The shira-saya bag was embroidered with the mei and the blade was in good polish with many activities apparent in both ji and ha.. Altogether a great “package”.

3)    Another sword by the same swordsmith but slightly suriage. Hozon To-ken. This was quite different and probably the standard work of the 1st generation Masahiro, to me more typical of the sword of Hizen-to generally encountered.

4)    A Gamaku Uji Nobu signed wakizashi and the owner stated that it was typical workmanship for this Mino smith, also with NBTHK Hozon papers, in shira-saya and in polish.

5)    A shinshinto katana signed Bizen Yokoyama Sukekane plus the 58th generation from Tomanari inscription. The sword, was accompanied by a koshirae.

6)    The same owner had a strong and robust looking blade by a sue-koto Kanemoto (2 character mei with sanbon tsuji hamon.

7)    A fine Yasukuni shrine sword in pristine condition, this sword was in suguha with many ko-choji ashi and a tight ko-mokume hada. It was signed by Yasuoki, a founding smith of the Nihonto Tanren Kai at Yasukuni.

8)    Another Yasukuni shrine sword but this had not faired so well although the Suguha hamon was discernable. Signed Yasunori.

9)    A wakizashi that the owner felt might be koto, possibly Taima school from Yamato. There was much to see in the blade which had a later horimono and may well have been the end of a much longer blade.

10)  Finally a hira-zukuri ko-wakizashi in shira-saya which was speculated as Odawara Soshu. A notare type hamon with some activities and a O-hada with ji-nie.

  The swords, all carefully looked at and some drooled over, were cleaned and put way before the enjoyable social part of the evening commenced.

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