What do I have here

[Nitrogannex]

So in trying to piece together the history of a sword, I've been lurking on these forums. I've already determined the maker and age of the blade, but was wondering about the fittings. the Blade was made by Minamoto Masamitsu, a geishu smith in 1872. I'm unsure if fittings were made by the same smith or a different guy. (I also kinda wanted to show off and get a feel for what you guys think)

 

Here is the Tsuba, Saya, Handle and Menuki

 

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/O70kF.jpg

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/45cQl.jpg

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/jDV1X.jpg

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/qnCPx.jpg

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/qegYX.jpg

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/XjmhL.jpg

http://www.imgeasy.com/images/uON0.jpg

[Mark]

David

 

the maker of the blade usually did not make other parts.

 

the scabbard has a battle cover or leather cover, the scabbard may be the age of the blade or may be newer, the leather was added when it was taken to war in 1940's.

 

The handle looks like it was made for use in WWII so was probably done in the 1930-40's

 

The tsuba (hand guard) is a Nanban style, it does not look very old, maybe very late 1800's or even 20th century, it was not made by the maker of the blade.

 

The menuki is a civilian style, not military, it is hard to estimate age from a picture

[Soshin]

Hi David,

 

I would agree with Mark J. comments. The tsuba is likely the oldest of the tosogu made likely during the late Edo Period or to early Meiji period.

 

 

 

Yours truly,

David Stiles

[Marius]

  Nitrogannex said:

I'm unsure if fittings were made by the same smith or a different guy.

 

David,

 

This question indicates that you really might want to read some basic books on nihonto.

 

Please do not be offended, take it as good advice.