Nakago Mune Notches

[Zaksteve]

Hello All,

 

Can you explain what the notches on the nakago mune represent or why they were put there. As you can see in the photos the habaki also has corresponding notches. I have seen other nakago mune exhibit this condition but I cannot find information as to why this was done.

The photos are of a tanto I have that is signed Hiroyoshi.

 

 

 

Thanks for your help.

[lonely panet]

its a numbering system to match the blade to the habaki. usually done when a batch of fittings are being made in large groups to prevent miss matching.

[Zaksteve]

Mistake proofing and the Kanban system.... I understand.

 

Thank you Hamfish

[peterd]

Seems a little extreme just to match them together again ?. Although i cant think of another reason. 

[lonely panet]

its very common in early military swords

[Mortis]

Could it also be the "number of heads taken" hypothesis...???????????

[Brian]

Not in a million years, and only in non-collector's imagination.

[Stephen]

Please.....stop.

[Jean]

Encore... (in French in the text ..lol)

[PNSSHOGUN]

No, generally the number of heads taken is carefully engraved in sharpie inside the Shingane

[lonely panet]

or to grate fresh wasabi. always need fresh wasabi when taking heads.

 

 

jokes aside that's a complete load of rubbish. the markings were applied to the copper habaki before the shakudo foil was applied.

[peterd]

Not before shakudo was applied as they then would not appear in the foil. Maybe when freshly polished. Also think it must be a group as one man would not have so many swords worked on at the same time to need to do this.

Military sounds right.

[lonely panet]

look again peter,

 

and again say your sorry. again

[peterd]

You could be right, sorry