Swords with original tassels

[PNSSHOGUN]

It would be interesting to see swords with 100% original tassels on them, either verified through patina, obtained directly from Vets or photo evidence. Kyu Gunto are perhaps easier to verify, especially with the tassel is frayed and damaged from wrapping around the D guard. I have had a few certain ones, a Yoshiharu Type 98 bought direct from Vets family with company grade tassel and a Koa Isshin Mantetsu with company grade tassel more or less fused onto the cord sarute from use in the field. One day the goal is to have swords with original Field Grade & General Grade tassels so all ranks are represented.

 

Please share any authentic examples you own.

 

 

[Dave R]

With this one the tassel arrived as part of the whole package, with age appropriate wear. Vendors photo's 'cos they are better than any I could currently take. The koshirae is a very plain, and a field saya so probably later war.

[Mortis]

Here’s one. All of the other fitting numbers match, so I can’t imagine the tassel isn’t original as well. This sword was found wrapped in a blanket in the rafters of a barn in Pennsylvania. Those that I obtained it from weren’t collectors. With that in mind, I highly doubt it was added at a later time.

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Sorry about resurrecting an old thread, but hoping @Mortis might see this and give us some pics of the blade/nakago.  He hasn't been on the site since 2020, so odds are against it, unless he gets an email from the mention.

[gun addict]

This Kai Gunto came from its original owner with an Army tassel. The saya looks like it never had a second haiken installed, and with an Army tassel it is reasonable to guess that it belonged to an Officer belonging to the Navy Landing Detachment/Marines 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Early Shin Gunto with original red & brown field grade tassel, surrender tag for a Major Nomura:

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

This early Type 94 has direct provenance from the former Vic. RSL president. Original red & brown field grade tassel, the surname "Yano" is inscribed on the Tsuba. 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Last sword, a Kai Gunto previously posted. Full provenance of the officers on both sides, also there is a photo of the IJN Commander (right) holding the sword. Now direct traceable provenance is the most reliable way to determine if a tassel is original to a sword.

 

[Bruce Pennington]

  On 6/11/2023 at 2:18 AM, PNSSHOGUN said:

Kai Gunto

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That’s quite a Kai, John, in every way!!!

[robinalexander]

Another Kai with IJA Company Grade tassel.

 

Apologies if I have posted this in the past.  I noticed the inconsistency on the Australian War Memorial website during Covid.  I contacted them and they were very accepting...they checked their original records and advised they would add the wording now shown at the end of the first paragraph...good result, but still makes you wonder if the NLF changed tassels during shore duty.

[Bruce Pennington]

  On 6/13/2023 at 10:44 AM, robinalexander said:

but still makes you wonder if the NLF changed tassels during shore duty.

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Does make you wonder, especially with the provenance of the sword you've posted.