Threaded Nakago?

[Jwrussell]

Ran across this on a listing over on the Bay. What is going on here? What happened to this Nakago?

 

It has NBTHK papers and the oshigata of the Nakago shows this weirdness, so I have to assume it’s “valid” in some way. But extremely curious as to what has happened and why.

[Vermithrax16]

post link please.

[Surfson]

I have seen many of these on gunto swords, especially kyugunto.   They must be alterations made during mounting for military use.

[ChrisW]

I think its exactly what Surfson says..  that threading at the bottom of the tang is a strong indication of a more western style of mounting, with the threading being used to keep the grip assembly on. Probably Kyu Gunto style mounts for an older blade. A real shame, but its historic militaria so if you collect militaria, this is a pretty interesting find.

 

Another theory: bought by a European and mounted in European grips. The nihonto was well-known by the west as a quality sword, wakizashi being especially popular.

[FletchSan]

I had a police Sabre with a very similar threaded nakago which was discussed here.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19761-police-saber-with-family-blade/?fromsearch=1

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/uploads/monthly_06_2016/post-3412-0-86206700-1465899060.jpg

[PNSSHOGUN]

Most likely Kyu Gunto, and for the early dress model.

[Fuuten]

I think i saw this in the past on some kind of sabre style mounting. Or a late unique type of formal dress.

[Jwrussell]

I had a police Sabre with a very similar threaded nakago which was discussed here.

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/19761-police-saber-with-family-blade/?fromsearch=1

 

http://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/uploads/monthly_06_2016/post-3412-0-86206700-1465899060.jpg

 

Ben,

 

Yep, looks exactly like the tang on the blade in the first link. I saw something like this thread when trying to figure this out, but hadn't seen the picture of the threading on the end of the Nakago. Agree it's a shame, as I'm sure a good chunk of the history (Mei) is missing within that portion of the Tang that was reshaped. Still, interesting piece of history.

[Jwrussell]

post link please.

Sorry, here you go: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Daimyo-Registere-Authentic-Japanese-KATANA-SWORD-WAKIZASHI-KANENAKA-NBTHK-NR/254102141996

[Peter Bleed]

Gee,

This has turned into an interesting thread. Indeed, I, too, had a Meiji era police or civil official's sword with this kind of modified nakago. I assumed that it was a serious negative condition that would essentially destroy the historical value of the blade. I sold it at a Chicago show to a Japanese dealer  - who immediately and in front of me (!) sold the koshirae to another Japanese fellow!. I am glad that the NBTHK is maintaining these blades! I wish I wanted a Kanenaka. I'd bid on this blade.

peter

[Dave R]

Gee,

This has turned into an interesting thread. Indeed, I, too, had a Meiji era police or civil official's sword with this kind of modified nakago. I assumed that it was a serious negative condition that would essentially destroy the historical value of the blade. I sold it at a Chicago show to a Japanese dealer  - who immediately and in front of me (!) sold the koshirae to another Japanese fellow!. I am glad that the NBTHK is maintaining these blades! I wish I wanted a Kanenaka. I'd bid on this blade.

peter

 

 I wonder if he was making a point to a Gajin collector.