Dave R

I would like to see a photo' of the whole tang. I think this "just might be" a remounted NCO blade.

Given Japans climate, I think Nihonto are a little more robust than that. However, I always, always wipe down the blade and reapply oil after inspecting/looking at a blade.

This is exactly what makes this site so valuable.

I have seen (online) quite a few old iron tsuba on Showa era Gunto. A bit of customisation,, a nod to the samurai heritage, or the desire for a tsuba that could not be cut through in combat?,Not rare, but a nice piece of individuality on a uniform item.

Showato vary from very well made swords using the best mid 20th century technology, all the way down to poor quality "pokers" carried as an item of uniform rather than a weapon. In other words, much like Western officers swords of the 19th and 20th centuries. You have a lot of reading in front of you. Enjoy!

They are not common, but they do pop up from time to time. There are a few posted on this this site in fact.

I think you are wise to do so..... From the little I know, this is either a very good piece, or more likely a fake! Others more knowledgeable will no doubt weigh in soon.

I would guess that most if not all aluminium saya were made from drawn tube, and otherwise made just like the others, hammered over a mandrill. Got to say though, the alloy used was a well weird one, lots of comment about poor resistance to corrosion. Then again, as commented over the weekend, they were never meant to last forever or even beyond the "duration" for that matter. Interesting the post above, about two piece construction, which does have advantages for production. Given that the bulk of Shin-Gunto mounts were produced in small workshops, I suspect a wide variety of construction methods would be in use depending on resources, tooling and skills of the producers. Given that they were painted rather than bright steel in finish (as was the norm for Western swords and Kyu-Gunto) there was more room for innovation in methods of manufacture .

The other possibility is the technique used by brass instrument makers... The tube was filled with lead to prevent collapse, and then bent to shape. I understand that other materials are used now, including frozen soap, pitch and Cerrobend (a tin based alloy made for the job). Probably would work best for tweaking a saya already near to the shape wanted. An interesting article explaining the process here. https://www.robbstewart.com/bending-tubing/

Why not? It would actually be an easier job with aluminium.

The metal Saya would probably be made the same way as in the West. A metal tube is brazed or welded along the seam, and then forced over a steel mandrel, constantly beaten with rawhide mallets to help form it. Apparently in the Wilkinson sword factory this job was given to the two biggest lads in the factory.

The main part of the saya cover looks like chrome tanned leather. I think a remount, but as to when......?

They are a bit random. Ok if you are looking for cheap fittings or armour, but I never buy blades unless I have them in hand.

Ebay is your friend here, lots of bits turn up all the time. For other stuff, depending on how much work you want to put into this... http://www.namikawa-ltd.com/ They do a lot more than just polishing stones, and all of the best quality. They accept paypal, and have really improved their mail order process. Ideally you want a gunto tsuka that fits, you are very unlikely to get one. I suggest buying a junk one and either refitting it, or using it as a pattern for an all new one made in Honoki. Have fun,..... I find it to be an absorbing and rewarding endeavour, and you will learn a lot about gunto while doing this.

Which is why I suggested DILUTE ammonia, and trying in an obscure place. Advice from a museum curator to me about cleaning Nihonto fittings.

You can also try dilute ammonia and cotton buds. But start in a hidden area, and check to see how it works.

I have come across a reference to it starting as a retrofit on old swords refurbished for the IJA. This being due to ageing tsuka coming apart during practice, as is mentioned here.

I think this one could go back and forth forever. There is still a lot of research to be done, and new stuff turns up all the time..... Part of what makes the military blades so interesting to me.

Seeing as Nick is fluent in German, as well as Japanese and English, why don't you PM him and get this sorted to your own satisfaction.

I have a wrecked tsuka with the steel reinforces. I don't think it is all that rare in fact....

Bruce, What is a naval blade? Usually a rust resistant steel, or Gendai from the Minatogawa shrine.The Naval Landing force was a distinct entity from the army with slightly different uniform and equipment. Most provenanced photo's are from the Shanghai incident.

If that was addressed to me,... I live in Leeds, (UK) 30 mins away from the Royal Armouries. Where we meet, last Thursday of every month except December .

That's why I used the word "generally"!

That model generally lacks a "sarute", aka tassel ring, that's why the hole is so large. The sword knot goes through it as it is. Or has a cord loop rather than metal.

Depends on if that is the price of the Ito, and you do the wrap yourself.... Silk Ito costs about that for a gunto length tsuka.