shinsa, or adapting the japanese experience

[Rivkin]

Dear All,

I'm sorry if my post is unusually stupid, but here is the deal:

With all the hate I have towards the japanese collector community, I have to admit that they have the most well developed society, specifically when it comes to restoration (polishing) and especially appraising.

While selling a few moderately priced items (>400$) on ebay I very often felt sorry that I don't have a professional papered appraisal to accompany my swords. Instead I had to give my own appraisal, which was often too optimistic and probably not the most accurate one.

I would gladly pay some money (NHTK apprasial by email for example is 50$. ) to have my sword appraised (I know Dr.Bezdek does appraisal by mail for 25$).

The procedure I would say should copy the one by NBHTK/NHTK - initial price for an undocumented appraisal (well, they just give you points, but we obviously have to do more, knowing how diverse our community is), and additional money for sexy looking paper.

I would guess it's probably a damn old idea, but I still have problems understanding why it's not in works.

Sincerly yours,

K.Rivkin