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Post by wildv on Apr 25, 2024 2:45:40 GMT
I've owned my fair share of Japanese nihonto and antique fittings. I'm not very educated on the fitting side of this, I normally buy what I like the look of and don't really follow historical schools or craftsmen. I've always seemed to lose money when I resell my fittings, even stuff with papers. I'm normally in a bit of a rush to sell, I kind of want it gone so I can purchase something else but I wanted to ask those of you more versed in this field if it's possible to buy say a tsuba, with papers, hold onto it for a decade or so and at least break even on the purchase or even make a little? Or is it just like nihonto where you basically guaranteed to lose unless it's a museum quality historical piece?
Just wondering if a future purchase might be worth it or I'd be better just saving my money. Thank you.
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Post by larason2 on Apr 25, 2024 14:38:45 GMT
It's tough because there's a relatively small market and lots of supply. Most of the collectors with deep pockets have all the pieces they want. Also if you buy a piece from eBay or an online store, you're probably overpaying. If you get a really high end piece you might be able to get your money back, but only if you find the right buyer! Otherwise I think you're right, it's hard for you to be able to break even on your investment. A lot of these pieces sit on eBay for months until the right buyer comes along.
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Post by wildv on Apr 25, 2024 15:02:01 GMT
I personally find a lot of the stuff on Ebay isn't great or it's really over-priced for the half decent stuff. Most, if not all of my purchases come direct from Japanese stores. I wonder if this fact alone changes things?
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Post by larason2 on Apr 25, 2024 18:17:50 GMT
I think the online stores are also a bit over priced. It's a funny market, because there are some people who will pay whatever you ask for just the right piece. But the online stores are full of pieces that no one's wanted so far and for a long time, so you can guess that the demand for those isn't great. If you see the pieces they post on the Nihonto Message Board, the standard of quality is quite a lot above what you find in online stores. Those pieces are already owned by wealthy collectors though! One of those will keep its value, but most of them wouldn't sell one to you, and I don't know how you would go about buying one like that, especially at or close to its actual value. Maybe through high class auctions? Unless there's no competition though, you always end up paying a bit more in an auction than what its worth.
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