For all Figure's Referred to On This Page, See Page 3 Please show location of damage or flaws above blade.
Please include your name & phone number with correspondence. _____________________________________________
Please Send Clear Digital images of All Signed & Unsigned Swords. See page two: for dismantling your sword, and page 3 for identifying it.
Identification of swords requires removal of the
TSUKA (handle), which may be accomplished by carefully forcing out the single tapered
wooden peg (MEKUGI) which fastens it to the tang. The TSUKA may then be slid off
the tang, revealing the maker's signature and other identifying marks incised in
the metal. The signature often consists of the maker's name, his titles, and
place at which the sword was make. The date of manufacture, when shown, is
usually found on the other side of the tang. Certain patterns of file marks on
the tang are also distinctive, aiding in determining the authenticity
and dating of the sword.
DO NOT REMOVE RUST FROM TANG! Sword Evaluation - page three | E-mail us with your questions
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Eval Response Time: Please note: We receive many evaluation requests. Unless there is a specific importance noted, we answer each request as they come in. In general, our response will be a minimum of 2 weeks, sometimes longer depending on the complexity. We will do our best with the images and details provided, however a hands-on inspection is required in most cases to confirm our findings. During that time we may ask for additional info. At any time you can email us for an update; we'll reply to tell where we are in the process.
**It is not necessary to call ahead before sending your images. Please do not text images without asking first. **Please email with questions answered & clear detailed images as it will allow for a more prompt answer to your question(s). If multiple swords, one per email please. Or label swords in images, 1,2,3 etc. ** Please send all requested information and pictures otherwise our response will be delayed. If you need assistance please email or call. ** If you have very large files you can try to email or use DropBox or preferably Google Drive, both are free, be sure to grant access to view files. **Please include your name & tel# in all correspondence.
Emailing us: If you wish to email us, please include answers to questions along with your digital images, your name & telephone number. If you are emailing from an earthlink account - add us to your allowed senders list so we may reply in a timely manner!
Sending Evals by US Mail: If you send your completed evaluation form via US Mail, if possible please include a CD with your images rather than printed images. With the digital images we can enlarge the images to see more detail. PLEASE NO VIDEOS. We cannot return documentation, printed pictures and/or CD's unless a self-addressed prepaid envelope is provided.
What we do if you ship your sword: 1) We will compare your swords signature (if applicable) to other known authenticated swords by the same smith. We'll provide you with a translation of the signature. If no signature, we'll compare the characteristics to other known schools. 2) We will research values on comparable swords by the same smith or schools. 3) We will call you with our results. 4) If you have interest in selling or consigning your sword, please tell us right away. We can discuss the specifics further. Please note, if returned, we will ask you to provide actual return shipping costs. We do not provide insurance while your sword is in our possession, however we will treat & protect it as if it were our own. **Our time in providing a tang reading of your sword is free of charge. A reasonable fee will be charged for written documentation with our research of findings on your sword(s). |
