Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 3, 2020 at 10:36pm

Why does the set in the box have four ribs or rings cut in and the set on the Cert do not appear to? They also appear different proportions. The metal endcaps appear different lengths. Even the grain, what one can see, appears different as does the apparent wear and darkening from sweat. The ones in the box appear new. What do others see?

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 3, 2020 at 10:58pm

Perhaps Kato the Master will chime in.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 4, 2020 at 12:23am

This is all I could find online regarding this subject:

"...A collection of memorabilia estimated at $12-18,000.00, and while the letters and business card might be worth that much to a collector, I hope the nunchaku are just for show because they are worthless.

Several years ago, Taky Kimura sold a pair of nunchaku built for Bruce Lee that were later given to Kimura as a gift from Bruce Lee. They look very much like the nunchaku used in the Green Hornet and the chain is secured inside the top of each stick by a cross bolt.

Unfortunately the letter of authentication written by Kimura was later associated with many nunchaku that were never owned by Bruce Lee and in many cases they were nothing more than early swivel chain nunchaku from Asian World of Martial Arts. As collectors know AWMA didn't offer ball bearing swivel chain nunchaku until December of 1978 (except for a short lived, failed prototype design from Feb. of 1976).

Obviously since Bruce Lee passed away in 1973, he could never have owned either design or any other type of swivel chain nunchaku commercially produced since they didn't exist until 1976 in the case of AWMA or Dolan's Sports.

So collectors beware, just because it has a letter of authentication from a known Bruce Lee associate, doesn't mean that the letter is associated with the "old pair" of nunchaku being offered for sale...."

"...

James Moore

"...So i wonder now about the authenticity of the other items that Kimura sold in 2013 including the yellow jump suit nunchucks and green bamboo whip that was used in Game of Death..."

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Permalink Reply by Mark Adams on December 4, 2020 at 12:39am

Hi Eric, 

Thank you for your replies. 

I was trying to reply with additional pictures. However for some reason I can't upload. So I shall in a separate post shortly if possible.

The reason the pictures are dark is both lighting and low pixels. Remember this was 2012 not 2020. Phone pixels back then were about 2 to 4 mp at best. 

I will provide additional pictures where you can see the ribs etc. I have also provided pictures of the top. 

I believe that Grieg McArthur had these on his website but I am not 100% sure. That's how I meet him way back.

As I was sceptical at the time for obvious reasons the former owner provided me with the contact details of Taky's son. I contacted him and he confirmed they were genuine.

There has been numerous debates on said Kimura's certifications. I know there have been fake certificates made etc. I have also heard that TK or son were selling fake stuff. I don't know if this is true or not.

The former owner sold them to me as he was in financial distress at the time. 

Mark 

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Permalink Reply by Eric Keith Longo on December 4, 2020 at 1:06am

Hi, you have better photographs of the items shown on the certificate? The proportions, condition  and materials seem off. Hopefully Kato will chime in. What need to make a cert with a phone snapshot? These apparent;y muddy waters will hopefully be cleared (and not "crash":0). Incredible claims requite incredible evidence I hope I am wrong..

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Permalink Reply by Mark Adams on December 4, 2020 at 1:26am

Hi Eric, 

No that's the only image I have. I have taken my pictures from two angles. 

The metal tops and black rubber/other on both (certificate and my images) are the same as is the certificate. As is the leather rope (very worn). If TK/other took a picture either to close or on a angle the image can be distorted.

I guess we will never know the truth etc. TK and son say genuine. Not much else I could do at the time. 

Did you see the pair of knives purportedly owned by Bruce with dubious certificates from TK? Sold a few days ago at Julien auction. 

Mark 

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Permalink Reply by Ivo on December 4, 2020 at 2:03am

Hi Mark Adams

i think you bought that at Autographsale right?
If so, then it's great.

I visit the website quite often, and only see authentic Bruce Lee stuff like Autographs.
It is difficult to judge with regard to the photos, as the Bruce Lee photos are all old and can only be found in poor Quality.

For me it has the shapes like on the Certificate Photo.
It just looks a bit strange because the angle on the certificate photo seems different.
The skipping ropes also look quite old, which is a good plus.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Adams on December 4, 2020 at 2:32am

Hi Ivo, 

No I did not buy them at autographsale. I think he may have had them at one time or other. It's how I first met him when I was looking at the ropes. I believe from memory the ropes were on consignment to him. But I am not 100% sure. Do you remember them being on the site. I just checked and purchased them in January 2017.

Unfortunately the image in the certificate is not clear and is dark. However my previous post I have provided a little better images of both. 

Your absolutely correct with the angle issue. It can be misrepresented/other. I know this because I deal in asian art. 

Mark 

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Permalink Reply by Ivo on December 4, 2020 at 2:49am

I've seen it

the shape is great for me.

Please compare the piece of metal above with yours, I entered it on the photo what I mean.
That's the best way to compare it.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Adams on December 4, 2020 at 2:53am

Hi Ivo, 

If you look at my other post (I could not attach them on this thread for some reason) made shortly after this thread (there are now two topics on Bruce Lee ropes) you will see the metal is the same. As is the black rubber /other.

Mark 

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Permalink Reply by Peter Mayer on December 4, 2020 at 8:30pm

Beware of any Bruce Lee memorabilia sold at Julians, as most of it is not genuine.  Their previous catalogs are filled with Taky Kimura COA items that are not close to genuine, including this jump rope COA in question.

Here is an example of a genuine full signature from Taky Kimura: 6B9F1C4A-7399-4663-A213-B023A54053EC.jpeg

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Permalink Reply by Mark Adams on December 4, 2020 at 8:57pm

Hi Peter M, 

Thank you for your post. Very interesting. 

The ropes in question were on Greig McArthur site and not from Juliens auction. Greig McArthur site was selling them as genuine. Are you suggesting he sells fakes and or just doesn't know real from fake? 

As to whether they are genuine or faked COA. I did converse with Andy Kimura prior to purchase. He confirmed both the ropes and certificate were genuine. So is Andy a lair! I ask you?

You are aware I assume that TK is now very old and has been in very poor health for a number of years. I suspect his son has signed fir for and on his behalf etc.

The signed picture you kindly posted was signed when?

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