B247.  Japanese Swords and Sword Fittings from the Collection of Dr. Walter A. Compton, Parts I, II, & III, by Christie’s.  1992.  Softbound with dust jackets, 8 ¼ x 11 ¾”, 440, 245, & 130 pages in English, 971 lots.  Dr. Compton had the most impressive collection of Nihonto in private hands outside of Japan, and there can’t be more than a few in Japan to rival it.  In 1992 Christie’s Auction House in New York sold the collection in 3 sales; these are the sale catalogs.  Many of the swords and mountings had Juyo and Tokubetsu Juyo papers from the NBTHK; the quality and importance of the items was impressive.  Swords are shown in black & white; kodogu in catalog 1 are shown in color and mostly black & white in catalogs 2 & 3.  Almost every item is thoroughly described and well illustrated.  Each catalog has an index, glossary, and bibliography. I have digital copies of prices realized; remind me to send them.

Volume 1 was too large for the binding chosen and many copies have broken spines.  This copy is still intact and will stay that way if you are careful with it (don’t open it flat on a table top).  None of the pages are loose or missing but there is a spot where the binding folds open; pretty much every copy of this book is like this. The dust jacket of volume 1 is a bit frazzled on the spine also. Volumes 2 & 3 are in great condition but both have a former owner’s name inside and many of the prices realized have been written inside as well.  9 pounds  $250.