Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - shinsa, or adapting the japanese experience

Lee · 14th January 2005, 06:39 PM

Rivkin, to be honest, I have seen the same extremes of chauvinism among some high end European arms collectors, who, in turn, look 'down their nose' at Japanese swords. To me, however, the reality is that many cultures have produced fine edged and non-edged weapons, and I enjoy most all of them for what they are. Indeed, each is a product of the environment it was created in and is optimized for its purpose in that context, so I doubt a truly accurate answer can be given about which is better or best.

continuing ...Appraisals and other documentation of expert opinions are most valuable, obviously, to those not in a position to judge for themselves, such as starting collectors and investors otherwise not interested in the objects. I understand that someone performing an apprasial undertakes a fiduciary responsibility not only to the person who commissioned the appraisal but potentially to later buyers relying on such a document. For that reason, doing an appraisal carries with it a lot of potential liability, which is why, if one looks at the 'legalese' page of this website, you will find that "no warranty is made concerning the accuracy of such material, and no responsibility or liability is assumed for any use made of this information."

I have been fooled too many times by pictures, even pictures of excellent quality, and will personally never issue a binding opinion on the basis of such an observation by proxy. Sometimes I (like most here) will risk the cash and buy something from an InterNet auction or webstore, but it is somewhat less daunting if I am risking a known quantity of my own cash.

Perhaps the presently very informal group we have formed about the annual Timonium gathering will eventually organize itself and form 'shinsa' committees to issue evaluations on ethnographic arms. Even then, it would probably be essential that the actual items be brought or sent for evaluation by such a committee.

I expect that there may be some forum members who do, in fact, issue professional appraisals for a fee and you may wish to post in the swap forum asking that they advise you if they are prepared to offer services in the particular area you desire.

14th January 2005, 06:39 PM	#8
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 932	Rivkin, to be honest, I have seen the same extremes of chauvinism among some high end European arms collectors, who, in turn, look 'down their nose' at Japanese swords. To me, however, the reality is that many cultures have produced fine edged and non-edged weapons, and I enjoy most all of them for what they are. Indeed, each is a product of the environment it was created in and is optimized for its purpose in that context, so I doubt a truly accurate answer can be given about which is better or best. continuing ...Appraisals and other documentation of expert opinions are most valuable, obviously, to those not in a position to judge for themselves, such as starting collectors and investors otherwise not interested in the objects. I understand that someone performing an apprasial undertakes a fiduciary responsibility not only to the person who commissioned the appraisal but potentially to later buyers relying on such a document. For that reason, doing an appraisal carries with it a lot of potential liability, which is why, if one looks at the 'legalese' page of this website, you will find that "no warranty is made concerning the accuracy of such material, and no responsibility or liability is assumed for any use made of this information." I have been fooled too many times by pictures, even pictures of excellent quality, and will personally never issue a binding opinion on the basis of such an observation by proxy. Sometimes I (like most here) will risk the cash and buy something from an InterNet auction or webstore, but it is somewhat less daunting if I am risking a known quantity of my own cash. Perhaps the presently very informal group we have formed about the annual Timonium gathering will eventually organize itself and form 'shinsa' committees to issue evaluations on ethnographic arms. Even then, it would probably be essential that the actual items be brought or sent for evaluation by such a committee. I expect that there may be some forum members who do, in fact, issue professional appraisals for a fee and you may wish to post in the swap forum asking that they advise you if they are prepared to offer services in the particular area you desire.