B416. Translation of the text of Shin Nihonto no Kantei Nyumon by Harry Watson. 1991. Hardbound, 8 1/4 x 11″, about 170 pages in English. Kantei is the art of knowing when, where, and by whom a sword was made without looking at a signature.  The Japanese book this translates does a thorough, systematic job of explaining the process. There is a translator’s introduction with, among other information, a description of how the book should be used. At the back you get an index of included sword smiths, a glossary, and a lot more. The body of the book looks at history, shape of blade, hamon (temper line), horimono (carving on the blade), fake signatures, and a whole lot more. This book is inscribed by Mr. Watson to a former owner.

Normally I sell this with the Japanese book (see B696) but I don’t have a copy. It is still in print and quite easy to get from Amazon Japan or Yahoo Japan (search for 新日本刀の鑑定入門). There are a lot of copies spread out among collectors here in the west also.

Condition is excellent, like new. 1 pound, 12 ounces. $125.