Real Muramasa?

sirupate · 29th July 2009, 07:29 PM

Hello Jim,

Sorry for the late reply, it was a good 23-25 years ago now and I was very lucky to be shown it by a top UK collector, who had it in his collection. It was the first Japanese sword that I held with a legendry name, and I had only been collecting for a little bit then, being more involved with the MA side of Japanese swords.
I was totaly in awe of the beautiful sword and a little bit nervous about handling it, protocol being followed exactly, it was the first time I was asked to have a silk cloth put in my mouth so moisture wouldn't accidentley get on the blade!!
I was also relieved when I didn't get any urges to go round cutting people with it!!

Cheers Simon

Jim McDougall · 29th July 2009, 08:20 PM

Thank you Simon for sharing that story. I always enjoy hearing about others adventures in collecting, as I know I always enjoy recounting my own. Somehow it just seems to add real dimension to this passion we all pursue.
I can well imagine the precautions one would understandably insist upon with such an incredibly valuable and legendary swords.

I once met one of the travelling appraisal company's while in Nashville, after going to the hotel location where they were set up. In asking questions, the obviously in charge appraiser only spoke in Japanese through a translator. I had brought a photo of a Korean sword to ask about it and his expression quickly tightened as if he was almost offended by looking at it. The translator indicated he had no idea what 'that' sword was, and I almost wish I could have known what he really said. I had forgotten that Japanese/Korean relations had not traditionally been the best.

I was shown however some of the swords that had been acquired that day, and one which looked remarkably new, was said to be 500 years old. In seeing the well patinated tang the contrast was amazing.

Thanks again Simon,
All the best,
Jim

29th July 2009, 07:29 PM	#1
sirupate Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: England Posts: 373	Hello Jim, Sorry for the late reply, it was a good 23-25 years ago now and I was very lucky to be shown it by a top UK collector, who had it in his collection. It was the first Japanese sword that I held with a legendry name, and I had only been collecting for a little bit then, being more involved with the MA side of Japanese swords. I was totaly in awe of the beautiful sword and a little bit nervous about handling it, protocol being followed exactly, it was the first time I was asked to have a silk cloth put in my mouth so moisture wouldn't accidentley get on the blade!! I was also relieved when I didn't get any urges to go round cutting people with it!! Cheers Simon

29th July 2009, 08:20 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,670	Thank you Simon for sharing that story. I always enjoy hearing about others adventures in collecting, as I know I always enjoy recounting my own. Somehow it just seems to add real dimension to this passion we all pursue. I can well imagine the precautions one would understandably insist upon with such an incredibly valuable and legendary swords. I once met one of the travelling appraisal company's while in Nashville, after going to the hotel location where they were set up. In asking questions, the obviously in charge appraiser only spoke in Japanese through a translator. I had brought a photo of a Korean sword to ask about it and his expression quickly tightened as if he was almost offended by looking at it. The translator indicated he had no idea what 'that' sword was, and I almost wish I could have known what he really said. I had forgotten that Japanese/Korean relations had not traditionally been the best. I was shown however some of the swords that had been acquired that day, and one which looked remarkably new, was said to be 500 years old. In seeing the well patinated tang the contrast was amazing. Thanks again Simon, All the best, Jim