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In 1992 I met a man who has since become a world master in the Japanese art of metal work. Ford Hallem now living in south Africa, lived and began working in the Japanese style near Penzance,Cornwall,England, we for a short period became friends and spent some rather drink laden hours discussing my idea for a set of mounts.
The sword is by a fairly poorly rated Showa smith,Nagamura Kiyonobu, it had been acquired in the late 80's when I had become interested in polishing so this was one of my first attempt and to my surprise the sword is a little masterpiece for a showa Gendaito by a low rated smith. Utusuri should not have been there but it can be seen, the hamon is intricate and am sure that given a good polish it will look splendid.
Ford made all of the metal work and the saya, I did not want Sam'e under the Ito so we agreed that a flowing stream on plates of Shibuichi would look good............The Hilt was bound by Mick Hicks of Maidstone,Kent, I did the paint job.
I am told that Ford considers this very early work as equal to "Folk Art" now, if you visit his "Iron Brush" web site and see his current items you will agree I think.
First let me apologize for the quality of the pictures, all done save one on a flat bed scanner. Hope you enjoyed the "Swan song" of an early collector.
