Change In '98 Fittings

[IJASWORDS]

Hi, I have noticed that at some point in the production of the 98 model gunto, that the decoration on the fittings on some swords changed. The cherry blossom and leaves were dropped in favour of a stipple plain finish. Was this done as a regulation, ease of production, or a variation from one fitting maker to another? Pictures attached of a 1942 compared to a 1944 variant. Neil.

[Dave R]

You also get completely smooth fittings, associated with late period swords in leather and wood "field scabbards".

[Stephen]

Dave

 

Always thought it was what young officer had to spend, seen swords from all times with very ornate expensive to just ordinary.  

[Dave R]

 The more 'Gunto I see, the more variations!

[Bruce Pennington]

Dave

 

Always thought it was what young officer had to spend, seen swords from all times with very ornate expensive to just ordinary.

 

Stephen, that certainly was true. I wonder, though if the options got more sparse as the war got closer to the end.

[Mark]

i think both things are true.  1. You could always get a quality koshirae if you had the money and access.  2. As a  general rule quality deteriorated with time.  3. You should not assume a gunto is late or early just on the quality of the koshirae

[Shamsy]

As Mark says, a combination of both. The tsuba for example clearly suggest manufacturing date ranges as the pierced guards were simplified to solid later in the war as demand became more desperate. But there are plenty of exceptions. This is discussed briefly in Dawsons book.

[IJASWORDS]

Hi All, great and useful comments. You are correct Mark, I checked all my dates, and found a mix of fitting designs regardless of manufacturing date. Did notice that it was lower end (cheaper?) blades that had the poorer fittings. Neil.