IJASWORDS Posted September 28, 2017 Report Posted September 28, 2017 I have noticed on some type 98 tsuba, a horse shoe or staple shaped appendage. (see photos). Can any one help me identify what its purpose is? This is on one of my latch swords, but I have noticed it on regular sword tsuba. Thanks in advance of a learned answer. Quote
sbf Posted September 28, 2017 Report Posted September 28, 2017 Probably something to do with a leather restraining strap, used in conjunction with a leather combat cover on the saya. Steve Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted September 28, 2017 Report Posted September 28, 2017 Wow, Neil. Are the other ones on a diagonal like this one? Never seen anything like it! It doesn't seem to be lined up with an opening in the tsuba as one would expect if it were for leather retention straps. If they were only on gunto fitted with combat saya, I'd agree with steve above, but that wouldn't make sense on a standard metal saya. Quote
sbf Posted September 28, 2017 Report Posted September 28, 2017 There are many metal saya with combat covers. Steve Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted September 29, 2017 Report Posted September 29, 2017 Dan, Certainly true, however the metal saya, with locking clip would have no need for a leather retention strap, unless, the spring was broken on the clip and this was a field repair to add a leather strap. Neil, your pics don't show the orientation. I'm assuming the added device is on top, outside of the body? Also, in the one in the pictures, does it have the release button? Seems that it would be blocked from use by the open dust cover. Quote
IJASWORDS Posted September 29, 2017 Author Report Posted September 29, 2017 Hi Bruce, north, south, east, west orientations. I am sure that because the sword had/has a perfectly functioning securing latch, there would have been no need for a redundant leather strap. In fact there are no holes in the tsuba for a strap to pass through, and if therefor, you would expect the staple to be on the underside of tsuba if it was for a strap. Cant imagine TWO blade securing systems, would be a nightmare in battle. This is why it has got me puzzled. Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted September 29, 2017 Report Posted September 29, 2017 My only other theory is to keep the tassel cord in place. 1 Quote
IJASWORDS Posted September 29, 2017 Author Report Posted September 29, 2017 I like the tassel theory. Quote
Shamsy Posted September 29, 2017 Report Posted September 29, 2017 I was about to say tassle retention would be my theory, but beaten to it! Got my vote. Quote
Ian B3HR2UH Posted September 30, 2017 Report Posted September 30, 2017 Neil , years ago I had a sword with the same pattern latch on it which also had the same staple shaped appendage on it . Ian brooks Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted June 24, 2022 Report Posted June 24, 2022 One of these popped up on a regular Type 98: https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/e1055488433 2 1 Quote
Kiipu Posted June 24, 2022 Report Posted June 24, 2022 Great find John and keep them coming. Those two characters on the scabbard release latch are for Iida 飯田. This is the last name, technically incorrect as it is the name that comes first in Japanese, of the shop owner which of course you already know but others may not. Quote
Bryce Posted June 24, 2022 Report Posted June 24, 2022 G'day Guys, I think it may be an alternative attachment place for the sword tassel. You sometimes see the same thing for sword knots on British swords. Here is a British 1796 pattern light cavalry officer's sabre with a similar staple attached to the ferrule at the base of the grip. The sword knot is normally attached thru a slot in the top of the knuckle bow. Cheers, Bryce 2 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted July 16, 2022 Report Posted July 16, 2022 Again on a Iida latch Koshirae: https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/c1057722868 1 Quote
Matsunoki Posted July 16, 2022 Report Posted July 16, 2022 Maybe showing my lack of knowledge but could it be for a wrist strap to ensure sword cannot be dropped or knocked out of hand? I have seen images of these on a military sword in an officers hand….but can’t remember where. It may have been on this forum in last 6 months. 1 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted July 16, 2022 Report Posted July 16, 2022 Hi Colin that is the purpose of the sword knot, as a mark of rank and lanyard. Quote
Matsunoki Posted July 16, 2022 Report Posted July 16, 2022 Hi John, many thanks…yep I understand….but I have definitely seen an image where something other than the tassel was wrapped around his wrist. Modern version of the old two holes through (mostly old Tachi?) tsuba which were for wrist ties? They seem to have cropped up mostly on Iida latch mounts ie upgrades so why not a belt and braces approach if you didn’t want to cripple your nice tassel and have something a bit more durable to attach your sword to your wrist? Also would be interested to see if the swords with this feature also have the usual tassel loop (sarute I think it’s called)…… 1 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted July 16, 2022 Report Posted July 16, 2022 Yes, very true. The effectiveness of the tassel as a lanyard was more or less entirely dependent on the strength of the Sarute. These varied wildly in suitability (cord, soft & malleable brass or thin gauge wire) and were perhaps viewed with deep suspicion by many officers as to their value as lanyards for practical use. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted November 1, 2022 Report Posted November 1, 2022 Found this one on a Wehrmact-awards post HERE. Quote
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