Antique Items for Sale!

We are always getting various items in from all over. While the majority are swords, blades, and fittings, we occasionaly come across more unusual items.

Payments may be made in installments. However, we reserve the right to hold the item until balance has been paid in full.

Please have a look at our current selection. Prices are negotionable on some items. Contact Us if you have any questions whatsoever. Click on any picture below to enlarge.

Last Updated: 08-04-2007


17th Century Yoroi-Doshi

Ho-oh Bird Tachi

WWII
Hiroshima Nails

17th C. Yoroi-Doshi Tanto

This is a very unique item. A signed, ubu, armor-piercing tanto in excellent condition. It has been recently polished by B&K Firearms (who are also consigning it on their website for sale). Its fold count was determined through an MRI test. It comes complete with original rataan shira-saya and habaki. Detailed origami also available.

SOLD

12th C. "Ho-oh Bird" Kuge (Yefu) No Tachi
in Jindachi-Zukuri mounts

This is by far the rarest piece we've ever encountered. Best estimates place this mumei blade's creation as early as the late Heian/early Kamakura period (about 1170/1180 A.D.) The complete set of brass Jindachi-Zukuri koshirae (fittings) are likely Meiji-era (late 19th/early 20th century), outfitted to the blade for either cerimonial purposes or to entice foreign buyers. The latest mekugi-ana (hole) was drilled, undoubtedly when the koshirae was applied.

Though it varied upon rank and occasion, this type of mounting was often designated for the Royal Palace Guards. The legendary Ho-oh Bird has been used throughout Japanese history, even by the Tokugawas. Being that the blade is unusually straight (especialy for its length) it seems logical that it was made as either a unique presentation/ceremonial piece or to be used by the Palace guards to show their leader's affluence. In fact, two "Kokubo" (National Treasure) Bird's-Heads Tachi's remain unaccounted for after WWII pludering.

At 29 inches, the blade has been shorted, though it was some a very long time ago. Upon close inspection just above the lowest (presumably oldest) hole, you can see where the original mune/ha machi's most likely were. The nakago's patina, as well as the rust inside the mekugi-ana's, remark on its age. The greyish-tinted steel color hark back to similar blades of the time.

Two of the blade's most impressive aspects are the Dragon Horimono and Sanskrit Bonji on either side of the blade. On the ura side, the 7 1/4 in. Dragon is depicted chasing a Flaming Lotus. On the omote side, the bonji shows "Mato Kwannon (Horse Head Buddha)", "Marishiten (chases devils & enemies", and "Rendai (a Lotus stand)."

Though the blade is in a very old polish, it is in remarkable condition. Aside from some minor fukure (most notably on the mune) it has very few flaws. The Suguha Hamon is visible, though the subtlties of the Hamon (nie/noi, etc.) and the Hada are difficult to discern in its current polish.

For these reasons we are offering this uniquely rare sword at a price much lower than its actual worth. A true investment piece, it is ready to be polished by someone with the skill to bring it back to and its full glory. Blade's like this do not come around often.

SPECS:
Nagasa (length): 29 inches (74 cm.)
Sugata: Shinogi-Zukuri
Sori: Very shallow Torri (almost Mu)
Kissaki: Chu
Hamon: Chu Suguha
Boshi: Kaeri Tsuyoshi
Mune: Takashi
Nakago: 8 7/8 in., Suriage, Ichimonji-jiri, 3 holes, mumei.
Koshirae: Shitogi Tsuba, Fuchi, Kabuto-Gane of Ho-oh bird (10 in.), 2-piece Seppa (Rope & Scallop), Tawara-Pyo (5 Rice Barrels). Tsuka is 12 in. w/ Bird, 9 3/4 w/o.

Price= $10,000

Mt. Fuji with Clouds Katana

Another very rare and remarkable piece, this sword has been held in a private collection for many years. Though unsigned, it is said that only 2 makers (a father and son) ever made the particular Mt/ Fuji with Clouds hamon. Its been estimated to be from the Settsu province, Shinto Tokuden school (see "Connoiseaur's Book of Japanese Swords, p. 107), but efforts to confirm the particular swordsmiths have proven difficult. It is nonetheless a remarkable and beautiful blade.

At 24 3/4 in., it is a marvel of Edo period construction (estimates put it as being made c. 1660-1680). The near absence of curvature show the depth of the maker's skill. It does have five shinogi ware and fukure of differing lengths, but all are non-fatal. The polish is almost mirror finish.

The antique iron fittings are almost as intruiging as the blade itself. The Edo-period Dragon-themed Tsuba, Fuchi and Kashira all have gold inlay on the dragons' eyes. The menuki are leafhoppers in iron. The Green silk ito sets off the royal blue saya with metallic flake.

SPECS:
Nagasa (length): 24 3/4 inches (62 cm.)
Sugata: Shinogi-Zukuri
Sori: Very shallow Torri (almost Mu)
Kissaki: O kissaki
Hamon: Mt. Fuji w/ Clouds
Mune: Takashi
Nakago: 7 in., Ubu, Futsu Gata, Kata-Yamagata Jiri, 1 hole, mumei.
Koshirae: Edo period Dragon-Themed Iron Tsuba, Fuchi, Kashira w/ gold inlay, Edo period iron Leafhopper Menuki, 2 Rope Seppa. 10 1/4 in. Tsuka , Green Silk Ito, Center-cut Same. Blue metallic-flake saya.

Price= $6,200

SOLD

Hiroshima Nails

These Nails were brought back from Hiroshima during our founder Ben Kreiser's father's post there in the occupational services/forces from 1944-1946. They were found within 1 block of Ground Zero near the only structure to survive the bomb, a Temple. They were originally in a wooden box and were MOLECULARLY fused together after impact. They are not damaged in any way NOR melted. They stand 1X4X2 inches and are mounted on a marble base. A truly one-of-a-kind item for collectors of American, Japanese, Military, or Historical items.

Price= $2,000

SOLD


*NOTE* Checks or Money Orders preferred. Items will be held until check has cleared. Shipping, Handleing and Insurance charges may also apply. Texas Residents must pay 7.75% sales tax.