Kantaro

Nice one Dale, I like it! The price of this one hereunder wow, pffffft really? Antique Japanese Tsuba motif of Chrysanthemums - Zentner Collection

How old would you estimate the original Heianjo Tsuba?

Just a thought... During the Meiji era (1868–1912) and early Taisho era (1912–1926), kendo was still evolving, and practitioners often used equipment that blended traditional and modern elements. Some kendo masters, particularly those who were deeply rooted in classical kenjutsu traditions, might have preferred the feel and symbolism of an iron tsuba, even if it was heavier and less practical than the lightweight tsuba used today. Possible Context: Transition from Kenjutsu to Kendo: Early kendo masters who were trained in classical swordsmanship might have modified iron tsuba for use on shinai to maintain a connection to the traditional samurai aesthetic and training methods. Personal Preference: Some masters might have valued the durability and historical significance of an iron tsuba, even if it was unconventional for kendo. Gekiken Competitions: Before kendo was fully standardized, gekiken competitions were more rugged and less regulated. An iron tsuba might have been used in these early sparring matches, though it would have been risky due to its weight and hardness. Notable Figures: While there’s no widely documented case of a specific kendo master using an iron tsuba, some early kendo pioneers who might have been associated with such practices include: Takano Sasaburo (1862–1950): A key figure in the modernization of kendo, he was deeply knowledgeable about classical kenjutsu and might have experimented with traditional equipment. Naito Takaharu (1862–1929): Another influential kendo master who helped standardize modern kendo but had roots in classical swordsmanship.

I suppose 1928 was the date it came to the museum in Kansas and 1924 for V&A? The one from Tim Evans: "There is attendant documentation implying that this bokuto dates to about 1888, or 20th year of Meiji. The tsuba looks much older" (I put his pics hereunder)

Very interesting Dale! Any idea how old that iron one with the oval hole from the Kansas City museum is? Is it also an altered existing tsuba or was it originaly made for bokken?

Happy you are back.

Its a Tinta.

Looks like a Policesword? Got a Link Dave?

I do wonder if she is pretty...

Hello, I wonder if this can be translated or is it just a makersmark or a number? It is an enamel ox and came from Japan. Thanks.

Japanese enamel Ox.

"And then, having said all of this.... how sure are we that it wasn't a Naginata Tsuba from day one... later modified to fit a sword? " hmmm I understood that Nakago-ana for Naginata were not round? So if it was a Naginata tsuba from day one...later modified to fit a bo-ken or it was a sword tsuba from day one...later modified to fit a bo-ken. I also understood Naginata Tsuba are quite simple. So I think Dale is right. It is an Iron Heianjo sword Tsuba modified to fit a Bo-ken. But why should you add hitsu?? Weird...it is indeed an interesting piece and the modification is very well done.

Thanks Jan!

Hello, can anyone translate what is written on this wooden paulownia box? (It is for a Tsuba) Thanks!

"This seems a Heianjo tsuba that has been altered not for a naginata but a wooden 'bo-ken' - the symmetrical hitsu look added at a different time as well - nice inlay but very confused history. Something for a tsuba collector but not suitable for remounting on a sword I think. I have not seen very many Heianjo with that Kiku-gata shape, they are usually just round." This is what Dale told me about it a few weeks ago before he dissapeared... I do wonder if anyone has or has seen something similar?

Firefighter?

Nice one Jacques. It reminds me of this strange one I have seen. What do you think of it?

Good question indeed. How did these Naginata tsuba look like?

Wow...

Wow, nice piece with an interesting release latch Thomas, never saw that before! Thanks for sharing. (But indeed it is a Type 19 with fighting blade.)

Nice one Conway! I like it, and the price seems OK. But is the locking mechanism missing? I see the botton but not the rest??

I found this one on Ebay but it has no locking mechanism... https://www.ebay.com/itm/304951168087 or this one... WWII Japanese Samurai Sword * GENERAL GRADE * -PLIMPTON COLLECTION—PUBLISHED | eBay nope no lock either... mumble...

I have been scanning the net but it seems difficult to find one...anyone has an example of an army Type 19 parade sword with a locking mechanism and 2 hangers? I found this topic hereunder from 2020 and the sword Dave showed had a botton for locking. The one Bruce showed had none...but it seemed a policesword. Here on the picture you can see a rare ARMY general officers parade sabre with a spring clip retention...so it does exist. aha...now I am talking to myself.

Thanks Conway! Indeed I was talking only about the parade swords. Any one has an example of an army one with a locking mechanism?

Are there Type 19 dress swords with a lock? Thought I had seen one with 2 rings and a lock...mumble. Thanks!