Anyone Seen A Koshirae Like This?

[PNSSHOGUN]

Ended up winning this Type 98 Koshirae from ebay, has anyone encountered something like this before?

 

 

[Stephen]

Saya cover looks recent, maybe a reconstruck? never seen the ribbed under ito.

[Bruce Pennington]

Agree with Stephen. The ito and ribbed-same’ could be modern rebuild. It looks newer than the rayskin. I have seen the skinny tsuba before, mostly on the smaller “formal” 98’s. It’s a nice looking rig, whether new or original.

[Shamsy]

Repurposed civilian saya?

 

Could be new but could just be in good condition. Looks like a nice set.

[IJASWORDS]

Interesting! Iv'e been into Gunto Koshirae for some years, and never seen one like this. There are definitely some authentic original parts there, but tend to agree with Bruce on new materials on the Tzuka. Also the leather and press studs look new. BUT, nothing surprises me any more with Gunto. Reflecting on the quality of the Saya, it looks purpose made for WW2, and not worth the effort in $$$ terms to to make a recent copy. Nice any way, and worth more study.     

[paul griff]

Hello,

At first I would have said reconstructed as shown by the fresh looking leather,bright studs, newish looking binding and two different textured same...but...that ashi is very nicely fitted over the leather and that little metal locating bracket fitted to locate the mekugi with a bit of fraying where mekugi peg ( or screw ) has been removed really does throw me ! This is a very nice koshirae and I wouldn't be surprised if it's 100% ....Would be interested to know what the leather smells like....normally a good age guide..!

Regards,

Paul.

[PNSSHOGUN]

I did think the leather looked very new, but everything else seemed right and of high quality. Once it arrives I can get more detailed photos and do the smell test (very hard to fake).

 

Here's the original listing, there's more photos:

 

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/98-TYPE-Japanese-GUNTO-KOSHIRAE-WW2-rare-Inrokizami-WOOD-SHEATH-amp-SKIN-COVER-/323206197514?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=LFKQo1m6CN%252BxD9Ww%252FVwExtbDR6s%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

[David Flynn]

I vote for put together.   First time I've seen that type of Ashi, on the outside of the  combat cover.

[EdWolf]

The ribbed-same and saya looks like rattan wrapping. Never seen this before. Very interesting. Although never seen, I like it.

Congratulations with your new sword!

Regards, Ed

[paul griff]

Hello,

I can see the mark the habaki has made on one of the seppa's so there must have been a blade there originally..The silk and cotton tassel looks in very nice condition even though it is missing the slider.....If it is put together then congratulations to whoever done it..A lot of work for not a great return...for that price and including any import tax I would say a nice buy...! I'd certainly buy one for that price...

Regards,

Paul..

[Jon MB]

I vote well preserved (almost unused),  late-ish war variant, and original. Look at the discreet wear under the leather and the buttons at the throat of the saya. We all know by now that gunto koshirae never cease to surprise with their variety.

[Jon MB]

it does look like an older leather cover was used to make the saya chape or drag.

 

Maybe suggesting that this was a second koshirare constructed once the earlier one was worn out, and the chape was recycled.

[Dave R]

 The main part of the saya cover looks like chrome tanned leather. I think a remount, but as to when......?

[PNSSHOGUN]

The Saya leather is certainly new, within the last few decades, the end leather chape is original WW2 leather though. I think it's original, doesn't make sense to put that much effort and expense into a Koshirae like this post war. The fittings are all of the better quality type and the Itomaki is top notch.

 

I'll get some more photos later.