Defence is a major preoccupation for any ruler – from the rulers of way back in antiquity to President Obama today. Times of war see resources being drained toward a wasteful expense, as well as major scientific advancements as people try to find out why things happen, and how to mitigate the injuries caused by bad things.

In the ancient Chinese dynasties, warfare was undoubtedly complex, but the complexities took a different form. While today we bomb strategic locations, in those days swordsmen developed ever-finer instruments and techniques.

Here is a quick run-through of the popular swords and sword-making techniques in the Han, Song, Qing and Ming dynasties.

First, the Hans. The Han dynasty’s rule spanned from 206 BC to 220 AD. The early period of Han rule saw the rise of steel as the material preferred in swords. Both single-edged(dao) and double-edged(jian) swords now began to be made of steel, with bronze swords falling rapidly out of favor.

The process of differential heat-treatment also took birth during Han rule. Sword blanks were now forged and folded, with ring pommels being introduced.

In middle and late Han rule, this differential heat treatment process was developed further, and became the art of “refining”. Swords were now manufactured in layers, with the top, core and bottom being made separately and then welded together. At this point, China began to export swords to Korea and Japan.

Fast-forward across nearly a century, and you reach the Song dynasty in 960 AD. During the reign of Song emperor Shenzong, swordcraft reached new and unprecedented heights. Assessment bureaus were set up to determine the quality of weapons, and a manual on quality control in weapon manufacture was written and circulated.

Ring pommels, discontinued in the middle Tang period, was revived by Shenzong. Also, the Zhanmadao – a horse-chopping sword – was created to help soldiers fight against cavalry. Sword blades were now imported from Damascus and Japan.

Late in the Song period, Japan was invaded by the Mongols. It was during this period that they realized how much continental blades were superior – though stouter and less fine – than their own blades.

The Ming dynasty, ruling from the late fourteenth to the mid seventeenth century, saw China importing Japanese Wodao swords on a mass scale. Smiths came to prefer non-clay methods of heat differential treatment, while the Damascus-native process of making twist-core steel reached China’s wordsmiths.

The Japanese shinogi-zukuri – a ridged cross-section used in single-edged swords – became popular once more, as the Chinese faced repeated attacks from Japanese pirates. The 2-meter long changdao saber, modeled on the Japanese pirate nodachi, also acquired prominence. Overall, the Chinese art of sword-making declined, only to be revived later on in the Qing dynasty.

Under the Qings, handicrafts as well as sword-making received a much-needed boost. The dao and its characteristics were standardized, while a document on “Weapons Workmanship Standards” was also compiled. The niuweidao – the oxtail single-edged sword – also made an appearance, but was used by civilians and not the military.

Today, swords of all these dynasties and more are available, though only as collectors’ items. Each sword has a unique historical motivation behind it; the more you know, the more you want to know more.

Battle Ready Chinese Swords and Chinese Dynasty Swords available for sale.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/swords-from-the-ancient-dynasties-1779349.html

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Autograph auctions invoke the thrill of buying and selling autographs.  Dealing with reputable auctioneers who abide by rules and regulations is the key to have an enjoyable and worthwhile transaction.  Look over the following tips to make the best choice when selecting an autograph auction company to buy or sell your autographed memorabilia. 

Is the auction house legitimately licensed for proper representation?

Some auction houses are licensed by an individuals who have little or no knowledge of autographs, or who have very little to do with day-to-day operations.  For example, a New Hampshire auction company is licensed to a woman whose primary job is selling jewelry and teaching classes on stringing necklaces. 

What is their track record?

Consider industry feedback posted by reputable websites, newspaper articles, and legal records.  Websites such as AutographAlert.com provide details about various autograph auctioneers.  A legal search discloses that RRAuction has been sued for autograph fraud in Federal Court.  AutographAlert.com supplies a legal referral to those who believe that have been harmed by RRAuction. 

Do they use third-party authenticators?

Auctioneers who use third-party authenticators use this as a legal shield to absolve responsibility for their consignments.  Many of these auctioneers issue mass-produced certificates of authenticity that have their preprinted signatures.  The May 17, 2008, issue of AutographAlert discusses the downside of third-party authentication. 

What are their terms for cash advances?

Some autograph auction houses charge hefty fees for cash advances for consignments.  RRAuction has among the highest fees in the industry, charging 1.5% monthly interest for cash advances and the stipulation that you may not get paid for up to three months following the end of an auction. 

Venue for disputes?

Some autograph auction companies require that you agree to settle any disputes in the state of their business.  Do you really have the time, resources, and energy to travel to their state for issues of payment, shipment, and authenticity? 

Most autograph auctioneers offer great, friendly service on reasonable terms.  Select a reputable auctioneer that will value you and your consignment as much as you value your autographs.

Visit Famous-Celebrity-Autographs.com to view stock autographs of famous celebrities, and for loads of valuable information about autographs, autograph collecting, autograph buying-selling, and much more. Copyright © FamousChecks

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/consigning-tips-for-autograph-auctions-1743051.html

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The Samurai are possibly the most famous warrior clans in the world. Stately, sombre and meditative in manner and lifestyle alike, they enjoyed a highly superior social status for nearly two millennia.

What could threaten a warrior class as well-respected and powerful as the Samurai? It may seem astonishing, but the force that took the Samurai’s power away from them was nothing other than the rot eating away at the 21st century mind and society – politics.

In 1876, the Meiji government – then in power in Japan – issued an edict called the Haitorei edict. This prohibited the carrying of swords by everyone, except the military and law enforcement officials.

Obviously, it did not prove to be easy to separate the samurai from his sword. The samurais continued to carry swords, except that they did so in disguise. Rather than disguising themselves, they merely disguised the sword as a cane made out of wood or bamboo. The imperfections of wood and the regular joints in bamboo enabled the samurai to make joints and add buttons to scabbards made out of these materials, without risking instant discovery by passers-by or law officials.

These disguised swords were not identical to the traditional swords the Japanese carried. To fit within a bamboo sheath(as most of them were), the blades needed to be straight – a LOT straighter than a curvy katana arcing its way across a holder on the back. From the outside, a disguised bamboo-cane sword really did have to look like a walking-stick being carried by any gentleman.

The “stick swords” thus made were of less quality than the traditional Katana and Wakizashi – the long and short swords, respectively, carried by the samurai in days when they were permitted to carry weapons. However, one man – albeit fictional – has grown famous for his ability to wield the stick sword, despite his blindness.

This man is called Zatoichi.

Zatoichi is a character from Kan Shimozawa’s novels. Blind and a masseur, he is seen as someone perfectly harmless by those who have not seen his intricate swordplay. Keep in mind here that blind people in Japan were treated as if they had been cursed by God, which is to say they were treated worse than dirt. As a result, the origins of his dazzling sword skills are doubly mysterious – as if leaving them unrevealed throughout the book was not suspense-inducing enough!

The name “Zatoichi” can be seen in two ways etymologically. Zatoichi’s actual name, though, is “Ichi”. “Zato” is the lowest of four official ranks in the guide of blind men, the Todoza. In slang, blind men would be referred to as “Zato.” Therefore, “Zatoichi” comes out to mean “lonely, proud Ichi.

Other than this, “Za” stands for “master”, “to” for sword, and “chi” for one. From here, Zatoichi’s name emerges to mean “Master of the First Sword”. The dichotomy between the blind masseur and skilled swordmaster is explored beautifully in the film versions of “Zatoichi”, so make sure to watch them any day you feel like entering the world of Samurai Japan.

Browse Samurai Swords and Armor and Japanese Stick Swords and learn more about the way of the Samurai.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/when-the-samurai-were-ordered-to-give-up-swords-1769335.html

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When going to find the Precious Moments figurine that you are in need of, there is no need to search far. You are able to find birthday figurines for everyone on your list by looking in local stores or shopping the internet. You will be able to choose from various poses, sayings, and sizes at affordable prices.

Birthday figurines for the one year old can be a great memorandum for them. They are able to live their one year through the figurine showing either a boy or girl in a high chair. They will be able to keep their figurine for a lifetime or more.

Little girls want to make sure they have a great birthday. You can help them by buying a princess Precious moment’s birthday figurine that they will be able to show off. If the little girl in your life is the princess, you can be sure to get her the princess figurine to show her that she is.

You are able to purchase a universal Precious moment’s figurine for the age the person is turning. This allows you to have the freedom to choose the pose, and age you would like on it, so they will be sure to love the figurine that you pick out for them.

The little boys in your family can also remember their birthday by receiving a birthday figurine. You can choose from sports or train figurines, depending on what the birthday boy likes, or you can choose a gift set that includes a figurine, collectors box, and picture frame. These are also available for little girls.

For any animal lover, there is a Precious Moments figurine for their birthday as well. You can match the animal of their choice with the age they are turning. You can be sure to get them the gift they will love, and keep with them forever.

If you need to buy a gift for the adults on your list, there is a figurine for them as well. You are able to find figurines in different poses, words, and inspirational meanings. You can find something for everyone on your list with these figurines.

Birthday figurines are not hard to find, but if you are looking for a figurine for any other occasion, or for just-because reasons, they also allow you to choose from other options. You will be able to find something for everyone on your list.

To find out exactly how I know so much about Precious Moments antiques and collectibles, visit my website about used Precious Moments figurines.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/choose-a-gift-they-will-love-precious-moments-figurines-1747332.html

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Despite the presence of HO scale and N scale, the O scale trains have dominated the market in its own ways. Hobbyists around the world find these trains more attractive over any other models. O scale trains and their measurement differ from place to place. For example in the US the ratio between the original and a model is 1:48 on a measuring scale. However, in England it is 1:43:5!

Initially O scale trains and the houses were too small. Generally, the basement served as the best location during those days. But it was in the 90s that the development started and they were far more lifelike and compact. Since then people could get them and dedicate their time to them.

These days, O scale trains also come with many accessories. They everything right from logs of wood to buckets. You name it and you have it kind of models are available in the market now. These props make these trains more and more lifelike. This is why lot of adults also gets enmeshed in its accuracy. They can be decorated you want and make the surroundings so unique that no one can overlook them.

What should you use to clean a trains o scale locomotive? I use pipe cleaners or just a cotton swab. Dip it in some rubbing alcohol and clean the wheels in a scrubbing motion. This should be done one to two times a year. If you run your trains as much as me then consider two as a minimum. Keeping those tracks nice and clean is a big help, which would mean the wheels will hardly require any cleaning.

Aside from cleaning the wheels, you also need to check the universal joints, worm, and the worm gear. Locomotives should be disassembled one at a time; this will be difficult, or at least tedious, your first few times, and there’s chances of causing permanent damage. To ensure that you’re doing the right thing you will need to check the instruction sheet or manual. Find the diagram so that you’ll know exactly what to do, and read through it once or twice before you touch anything. Trust me.

What are the particular variations in the O-27 scale? There are actually a number of similar O scale track choices. When the standard O scale train track is put down in a circle, it has a diameter of 31 inches. So the ordinary O scale track is sometimes called O-31 track. Meanwhile, the O-27 scale track will produce a smaller, 27-inch diameter when laid in a circle. The O scale track is made in several sizes, including O-27, O-31 (standard), O-42, O-54, and O-72. The differences have to do with the various diameters of the circular track. If you prefer to set up your railroad in a smaller space, you will be able to fit in more track with closer curves, but the overall effect is less realistic and sometimes full-sized O cars have trouble successfully negotiating the curves. Fortunately, model train hobbyists have the advantage of mixing and matching different scales of track to produce the layout they want.

Compare that to O trains, which are 1:48 scale, which means the cars are about 12-16 inches long. Not only do these train sets take a lot more space to set up and to store, they also cost a lot more. As a result, these trains are primarily purchased by more serious model trains hobbyists while the HO trains are primarily purchased by beginners and families looking for train sets as a Christmas gift.

The next leading scales are the N model trains with 20% of searches, followed by G with 16% of searches. These trains are 1:160 scale, which makes them even smaller than HO trains. Cars are only about 4-5 inches long for N scale. G model trains are at the other end of the size spectrum with 1:22.5 scale, which means the cars are about 18-26 inches. These are too big to fit in most homes. They are most commonly used in outdoor gardens.

trainsoscalestore.com™ is an independent resource dedicated to the provision of news, reviews and information about trains o scale published at the Internet address trainsoscalestore.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/o-scale-trains-remain-a-popular-choice-for-train-hobbyists-1751818.html

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Today, many people know of Japanese Samurai Swords and their legendary beauty, efficiency, and craftsmanship. However, they aren’t exactly aware of one of the greatest influences on Japan and Samurai culture. Miyamoto Musashi is one of the most famous Japanese swordsmen and Samurai to ever unsheathe a blade. His Samurai Swords were known for their size, strength, and artistic elegance. But to stall there in remembering the man and his weaponry would be a great injustice to just how strongly both sword and man impacted the history of Japan and the Samurai. Here are four areas where, even today, the legend of Miyamoto Musashi Samurai Swords can be seen and felt:

Beauty and craftsmanship: With a slick curvature and a modest grip, the light yet deadly blades of Miyamoto Musashi’s Samurai Swords are too beautiful and finely crafted to be as fearsome as they are. Like a siren song, it is a thing of elegance, which must be respected. Just as Miyamoto Musashi took great time and care with his techniques, so, too, must one respect this advanced piece of weaponry. But that does not stop the fact that of all Japanese Samurai Swords, these remain the most famous, not only for their look, but also for the legend their creator carved with his 60-plus successful duels.

Warfare: Miyamoto Musashi is said to have fought his first duel while just 13 years old. It is said that he cut down a brash, arrogant opponent that day before continuing a life of warfare and bloodshed that was tempered only by his great respect for knowledge, technique, strategy, and culture. His long sword technique is one of his most famous, as it teaches through the use of the Daito (or long sword) and Wakizashi (known for shorter blade length), how to defend oneself through fluid motion and calm control.

Religion: What we know today about Musashi’s religious beliefs comes from his “Book of Five Rings,” a treatise on his travels, experience, and philosophies. He doesn’t appear to disrespect any religion, but does state that man should not depend on the gods for his deliverance in times of war. In a sense, man is to forge his own path and not rely on the providence of supreme beings to find favor in the eyes of nature and the world at large. “…these things [religious teachings] are not to be found in the Way of the Warrior,” he writes.

Literature: While his famous “Book of Five Rings” remains one of the greatest texts ever written on the craft of swordsmanship, Musashi’s influence on literature and popular culture does not end there. Since his birth and death, he has been the subject of many different films, TV shows, books, and traditions; in an indirect sense, his mark is felt even further in the many different works pertaining to the Samurai which have come and gone over the years.

The man’s life cannot be separated from the legend of his Samurai Swords. They defined him and have since defined the entire world of Japanese Samurai Swords, which continues to capture our attentions and imaginations even today, through people in every culture. And the end will not come any time soon!

Browse the most interesting Japanese Samurai Swords and Miyamoto Musashi Samurai Swords

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/four-ways-the-miyamoto-musashi-samurai-swords-impacted-the-history-of-japan-and-the-samurai-1758200.html

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With sites such as Amazon and EBay you may be asking yourself why you need or should look elsewhere when you are considering buying pocket watch books online – the answer is simple, these sites are by no means the be all and end all of internet shopping and there are some great titles, benefits and offers existing across the web that these sites alone do not always hold. With this said let’s take a look at how you can source places on the net for buying pocket watches that can allow you to benefit just as much, or if not more as when you buy books and products from these larger sites.

There are a few things that everybody loves when shopping online, from a fast delivery through to great savings and free shipping – all three of these factors can be applied to buying pocket watches online providing you take the time to seek a great supplier, who hosts these things along with a great range in titles and a selection of topics revolving around pocket watches.  A great collection of pocket watches or wrist watches is made up of knowledge, and we all know knowledge comes through books.

It has to be said that there is a huge amount of knowledge available on the internet for sure, but when you get into the habit of buying pocket watch books online you will have this information and knowledge available to you at your fingertips. There is nothing more frustrating than having to wait for the computer to be turned on, started up and connected to the internet to gather a piece of trivial information that can be sourced in seconds when you have the book at your finger tips.

Whether you are looking at buying pocket watch books online for your own reference or for the assistance of a loved one you will still want the above factors to be applied. The faster the delivery the more likely you will e to purchase from them again, the more you save and the cheaper you get the postage, or better still an offer of free postage saves you more money to put towards another pocket watch in your collection, or even better still save towards buying your next pocket watch book online.

Pocket watch books are not just limited to fascinating and trivial features and facts on pocket watches, but also delve deeper into the history, the brands, the reasoning’s and even price guides for modern and older pocket watches and for these reasons you can see why buying pocket watch books is a compulsory part of collecting and cherishing watches as well as learning about them, their makers and their users.

Consider buying pocket watch books online for you or a loved one and see some great titles and savings waiting for you as a wise purchaser when you buy pocket watch books online – happy Shopping!

Mark Grey,
mark@markfreelance.com

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/buying-pocket-watch-books-online-1737453.html

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Sharks are arguably the scariest deep-sea creature on earth. And for sure, nearly everyone in this world is afraid of it. However, there is a much a larger type of fish than a shark. It is called Megalodon.

Megalodon was a giant shark that existed back in the day during the late Oligocene epoch and Neogene period. Believe it or not, this type of fish was incredibly much bigger and a lot ferocious compared to a shark! It was actually a monstrous prehistoric shark that is huge enough to swallow up an entire elephant. And it was a super-predator too.

Megalodon is a primordial species of fish. It is one of the biggest predators that dominated the saline water in the ancient times. Actually, a paleontologist, glaciologist, and geologist named Louis Agassiz, was the very first person who postulated the species.

Megalodon’s skeleton didn’t preserve very well since it was consisted mostly of cartilage, instead of bone which is similar to that of the contemporary sharks. Theories about the anatomy and feeding habits of Megalodon stem largely from its fossilized teeth, which can reach up to 7 inches in length.

Moreover, experts believe that Megalodons may have fed on porpoises and whales since there are a lot of whale bones that shows various teeth marks that could have been from the monstrous type of fish. Believe or not, the moment this monster shark exert more massive pressure with its bite, it’s more than enough to slice the flesh of any of its prey.

At present, the size of the Megalodon continues to be a subject of intense debate. When you come right down to it, Megalodon is indeed the hugest fish that thrived in every corner of the world’s deepest seas during the olden times. And like the sharks, Megalodon proved that it is once a successful species in this world.

To discover more about Megalodon teeth, visit the author’s website.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/megalodon-facts-1736085.html

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Ball-jointed dolls are fresh, young and edgy dolls. That is why it is the choice of many younger doll collectors nowadays. In point of fact, almost everyone in this day and age is into these adorable and charming ball-jointed dolls.

Actually, in the late 1800s ball-joints on dolls already exist. But nowadays these ball-jointed dolls are now a lot more contemporary. In fact, their current design and physical appearance is predominantly East Asian and primarily anime-influenced now. And some of these styles are extreme and avant-garde.

Today, ball-jointed dolls are now becoming increasingly popular. As a matter of fact, a lot of teens these days incredibly have a thing about them. Believe it or not, most of them will even incessantly run after their Moms around the house just to demand new hats, shoes, and other items for their beloved ball-jointed doll.

Certainly, items such as clothes, costumes and accessories are incredibly necessary to your ball-jointed doll. Thus, purchasing some of these accessories is definitely the just the right thing. So grab some accessories for your favorite ball-jointed doll now. Nonetheless, some of the ball-jointed doll accessories that are currently available on the market these days are clothes, doll eyes, hairpieces and shoes.

Presently there is an amazing selection of accessories for BJDs that are being put up for sale. And these are some of the BJD’s accessories that are available on the market right now:

Sports Accessories

-Gymnastics
-Tap Dance
-Cheerleading
-Soccer
-Skating
-Jogging

Musical Instruments

-Guitar
-Trumpet
-Flute

Backpacks & School Gear

-Backpack
-Art Supplies
-Mobile Phone

Furniture

-Bedroom Set
-Kitchen Set
-Domestic Devices

Food

-Ice Cream
-Pizza
-Hamburgers

Footwear

-Clogs
-Sandals
-Loafers
-Hiking Boots
-Slippers
-Shoes

Doll Clothing

-School Wear
-Summer Gear
-Sports Wear

When you come right down to it, this wide selection of doll accessories for your ball-jointed doll will definitely enable her to live it up. So grab her some accessories now!

To discover more about Ball-jointed dolls, visit the author’s website.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/accessories-for-your-ball-jointed-dolls-1725830.html

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Ball-jointed dolls have been here in this world for centuries now. Back in the day, these dolls are only made of wood and other materials. And it was only in the late 1800s when the contemporary ball-jointed dolls started in Western Europe.

On the other hand, French and German doll manufacturers created the first ball-joined dolls in the early 1900s. During that time, BJDs still have bisque heads and strung bodies and it only consists of a blend of pulp, sawdust, glue and other similar materials.

In mid-1930s, a German artist, Hans Bellmer, produced a life-sized ball-jointed pubescent female dolls and he used them in taking pictures and other surrealistic artwork. Bellmer formed the idea of artful doll photography that went on up to the present time.

In 1999, a Japan-based corporation named Volks produced the Super Dollfie line of dolls. And so, this was already the start of the commercially produced Asian resin ball-jointed dolls. If truth be told, the original Asian ball-jointed dolls were mainly influenced by the anime aesthetic.

Furthermore, around 2002-2003, various South Korean companies already started manufacturing ball-jointed dolls. Customhouse and the Cerberus Project were among those first Korean BJDs companies. And since then the Korean market grew and did well.

The first Chinese produced ball-jointed dolls were knock offs. Some were direct recasts, while others were slight variations of Super Dollfie, a Korean ball-jointed doll. These knock offs were just made of plaster, poor quality resin or polystone, a blend of resin and a filler material like sand. Even though they were low-priced, yet they were not that really durable.

Dollzone was the first Chinese company to release an original ball-jointed sculpts in 2005 and it was made of a quality polyurethane resin. In the late 2005 to early 2006 their dolls were already being sold. After that, other Chinese companies also followed and build their own ball-jointed doll creations on the international market.

Recently in 2007, the Goodreau Doll was the first-ever American company to manufacture a ball-jointed doll with more of an American aesthetic influence.

To discover more about Ball-jointed dolls, visit the author’s website.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/the-origin-of-ball-jointed-doll-1725867.html

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