Sword Information

[mjsh]

First time poster so apologies for any mistakes.

 

I would be grateful for any assistance in identifying this sword. It has been in our family for 50 years.

 

From the little research I have done I know that important information can be found on the hilt. Sadly the Rayskin and bindings have slipped/shrunk and removal of the pins in the hilt would probrbaly cause a lot of damage.

 

Would also be grateful for any advice on moving the bindings back into position (if it is advisable) so that we view the tang.

 

I have had some opinions from another board that suggested it may be old.

 

Numerous pictures I posted on the other site can be found here

 

http://www.warrelics.eu/forum/Japanese-militaria/sword-identification-possible-repair-635158/?posted=1#post1611944

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy to take more pics etc as required.

 

Kind regards

[mjsh]

[Stephen]

Bob pretty much covered it all, i think it would be safe to say with some guidance the tsuka could be removed. Ill be jumped on again but id have it put into shirasaya after being polished by a professional. 

[SAS]

As near as i can tell from your photos, the mekugi (peg) is in the second hole back from the tsuba, and it is likely that the peg should be pushed out from the omote to the ura side. When holding the sword in use, the ura side is on the right. It may be possible to hold the sword vertically with one hand, and gently tap the underside of your fist with your other hand, to reposition the same and ito to gain access to the mekugi. A small drift punch or wooden chopstick and gentle taps may free the peg.

[AndyMcK]

I would also ask guidance from near you to remove the tsuka and even if it causes damage to the same (rayskin). The condition suggests like Stephen said that you need to get a shirasaya done and probably refurbish the old koshirae. Interesting blade and waiting to hear what you find from the nakago.

 

Antti

[Mark]

Dear Mjsh, or Mr Mjsh

 

forum guidelines require signing your posts with a name, sorry not sure if i have your name correct.  Where are you located? Maybe there is a sword show or club near you. One of us could assist you and remove the tsuka carefully

[mjsh]

Hi Mark

 

Thanks for the kind offer. I am located in Scotland. Any advice in finding some local expertise would be well received.

 

It looks like there are two pegs. One which is quite visible and another which is now partly hidden under the wrappings. I think we can get them both out but will damage the Rayskin in the process. We will have another attempt at getting the Rayskin to move today.

 

Regards

 

Murray

[Mark]

Murray

 

There are a couple of clubs in the UK and some members of this group are in the UK. Hopefully some "up north" will see this. Here is a link to one site http://www.Japanese-swords.co.uk/clive_sinclaire.php

[Kronos]

Someone from the Northern Token society may be able to help http://www.northerntokensociety.org.uk/

 

I believe PaulB is a member so hopefully will see this and be able to point you in the right direction.

[paulb]

Hi Murray

I am in Northumberland just south of the wall. Not a member of the Northern Token but I am involved with the Token of GB. If you drop me a pm with your email address on it and give me an idea of whereabouts you are located I might be able to put you in touch with someone even nearer than I am.

Looks an interesting sword.

[drbvac]

You really should not have to move the same to get at the mekugi just push the wrapping aside but if the rayskin has dried out or been pushed and distorted it would have to be replaced in any case. The horimono that goes up underneath the habaki would make me also think that the blade had been shortened so even if you remove the tsuka there may not be any signature. Still an interesting find and personally would not be too concerned about preserving the tsuka. The little wooden pegs are not cemented in so a light tap from the right side will pop it right out and then you can tap the tsuka off = guess I am just excited to have you remove it

[Kronos]

Sorry Paul, i could of sworn i thought you mention you were a member of the Northern society.

[paulb]

No problem James

[raaay]

Hi Murray

 

Where are you about in Scotland , there are few collectors scattered all over the place ,there might be someone near to

you that may be able to help you out !