1883 naval sword

[phil reid]

Hi Ive come across this 1883 naval gunto in fairly good condition , thinking of buying but havent seen one with a leather handle before (heavy smell of gun oil to handle ) , certainly has some age to it , blades single fullered and abit pitted , rayskins missing off scabbard but present under the mounts

Any thoughts would be appreciated as just concerned about the leather grip handle as its the first like this ive seen and if anyones seen one before

cheers

Phil

[Geraint]

Hi Phil.

 

This does not look like an original piece of work, the leather hilt wrap that is. Given the state of the saya it seems probable that the same and wire on the hilt have rotted and that someone has re wrapped with leather to make it look better. What is the rest of the blade like and have you had the hilt off to see what that tells you?

 

All the best.

[phil reid]

Hi Geraint ,

Was actually taking hilt to bits when you mustve posted your reply . Yes from what I see of this piece id gathered the grip had also deteriorated and been replaced but wasnt sure when . In taking the hilt apart what i thought was leather is actually a woven material , strong scent of gun oil to it as mentioned .

No markings to blade and its a fairly unexciting machine made single fullered piece with numerous surface (minor ) pitting .

 

The chaps been nice enough to let me hold it for the weekend so can take better photos as its 2050 at night and lights pretty ordinary for photos but hopefully youll be able to see that the wraps of material ( hopefully someones spotted its like before )

Thanks so much for your help

Phil

[Kai-Gunto]

It sure once had rayskin on handle and shargreen on the scabbard.

It has been stored wrong ,since all skin has fallen of.