Steffieeee

Interesting ty. So the maker here was probably also a swordsmith is that right? That's what tosho seems to mean

Thanks! Yes I realised that after I'd posted it sorry. How can you tell it's Edo and not earlier?

Hi can anyone tell me about this tsuba didn't realise it had a faint signature when I bought it. I liked it because it didn't have any Ana holes. It's very smooth with chamfered edges. I like it because it's simple

Thanks very much Ian, may the force be with me

Can I ask how the lacing ends at the bottom? A knot?

Thanks Ian, these are very practical points that I probably wouldn't have realised. Now you've pointed that out can actually see the little pegs in the back on the original. Never noticed them before!

That's very helpful Justin thanks very much!

Thanks Malcolm. I know there are those professionally who do it, but I'm doing it myself so I'm just trying to find the pattern of this sukage. I actually got another helmet today coincidentally with identical lacing so will find copying this a little easier

If you could uwe that would be super helpful!! Ty!!I can't bear looking at the string holding it together anymore

Hopefully..

Can anyone help me fathom what is going on here with the lacing pattern? I have bought some new lacing silk and I'm ready to have a go, but this is so far gone I'm having trouble actually copying what I see. Is each lame laced with individual bits of Ito or is or a continuous row down from the helmet rim down to the bottom lame? I can't see any knots anywhere so I assume the latter. Anything else obvious I'm missing. It doesn't look very complicated but I need to know what pattern to follow before anything. Thanks

yes get that Brian. I just meant by that that in my opinion it is a modern fake or movie prop possibly, which in my eyes makes it nonsense in confusing people who aren't familiar with real things of this nature. No unpleasantness intended. With the level of detail and knowledge on this forum about Nihonto which is mind boggling in its complexity to me it, I have frequently seen swords flippantly described in comments as chinese junk, nonsense etc, so I'm surprised that its a big deal. This is that equivelant in armour terms

That's fair enough Brian. The modern Indian metalwork bit was referring to the bizarre armour thing with cobras at the shoulders. Where to start... There's no such thing as Temple armour, there are no surviving armours that bear any resemblance to this, the construction is clumsy and impractical, the metal work is crude and not displaying any particular Indian regional styles apart from generic motifs, the finish and patina is consistent with modern work, the Indian tourist market is well known to make a huge variety of fantasy and fantastical items... Similar assessments as I would make on the Mongolian style cuirass plate actually. Maybe a movie prop

Is this really the place to discuss Indian modern metalwork? Much of each is actually very good and accurate in reproduction. Which this isn't.. Happy to discuss in pm if you like Steve regards Stef

this is also brand new tourist stuff...

oh nice thanks very much Geraint. I think it looks awesome, and I think it would totally go with the sword I,m trying. generally I seem to make life difficult for myself by wanting something other than easy options. I,m surprised there aren't more people who do this stuff tbh

Hi Mark, there was no rudeness intended and I can't even see any that you might have picked up in my post, certainly not any towards you. Referring to the book it is simply a picture of a cuirass. That is the only resemblance to the other one in the post. The leather type thing in the first post is notable by having fairly crude white metal dragon inlay that you often find on similarly crude tibetan style fake helmets on the market masquerading as real. I guess also made in China. I'm only slightly offended by your rudeness towards me for totally non-existent rudeness towards you so that's ok mark Regards Stef

That's a coffee table book about Indian arms and armour. The one pictured is probably new certainly the goldwork is. Although there are a large group of 18th century ones like this from Hyderabad issued to soldiers in the nizams service. I have a few if anyone's interested. No connection with the fake nonsense that the thread is about

Ok. I admit defeat temporarily. Is there anyone in the UK who can do the musubitama wrap style? It has a central knot in the crossover part. It's not a style which is shown in the buck book.or yurimaki. Which is a more hexagonal than diamond inner shape

Just arrived today funnily enough ty

Thanks v much Jussi and Rick. Yes I've been having a few goes, I think having a jig would make things significantly easier!

More interested in trying it myself, tricky but like anything gets easier with practise.

As a general Eastern arms and armour dealer for 25 years+ this looks like a pretty obvious crude fake to me!

Is there any online guide for tsuka shino or musubidama maki style? They both have a knot at the center I think unless I have the names wrong.

Hi just a question about wrappings. Were colours, styles of wrap material etc. dictated just by fashion, and preference? or any particular reason for the different styles of wrap etc. Obviously the battle wrap had a practical application