Shin-gunto with Textured Fabric Covered Wooden Scabbard

[tbonesullivan]

So, I've seen a lot of Shin-Gunto during my time writing up stuff for work, but I've never seen one with a SAYA like this. It has all the usual fittings on a Type 94/98 scabbard. However isn't metal over wood construction. Instead, it's wood with some type of textured fabric over it.

 

Is this some type of synthetic shagreen? I looked for what the technical term is, or for other examples, and I wasn't able to find any. I've attached pictures showing the texture and also where it has worn through to the underlying fabric. There doesn't seem to be any seam though, so it looks like it was applied directly to the fabric wrapped over the wood?

[BANGBANGSAN]

Many Type 3/Rinji with the better blade has this kind of scabbard, I saw a few Type 98 with custom ordered scabbard like this before.

 

[IJASWORDS]

David, you have a painted wood 98 Saya, that are not common. They have a cloth wrapping over the wood before the thick paint on layers are applied.It acts as a reinforcing. One of my painted 98's pictured. 

[Michaelr]

Wow Neil you beat me by 2 minutes. I was going to say the same thing. I also own similar    
            MikeR

[BANGBANGSAN]

2 hours ago, IJASWORDS said:

David, you have a painted wood 98 Saya, that are not common. They have a cloth wrapping over the wood before the thick paint on layers are applied.It acts as a reinforcing. One of my painted 98's pictured. 

Neil

I believe yours is a custom order.

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

You generally see these with either Gendaito or old blades, I wonder if it was strictly weight saving?

[IJASWORDS]

Yep, Yukinaga 1658-1661. My guess is that the Koshirae being easily damaged, would not be practical in a combat environment. So my guess is an officer with a desk job may have owned it. And used a family blade. 

[george trotter]

15 hours ago, BANGBANGSAN said:

Many Type 3/Rinji with the better blade has this kind of scabbard, I saw a few Type 98 with custom ordered scabbard like this before

Quoted this post by mistake...tried to cancel my reply...but can't see any way of doing that on this new format...can anyone tell me how to cancel for when I do this again?

Thanks.

[Brian]

Just highlight the post/quote and delete before you post it.Select all with mouse....delete.

[tbonesullivan]

The blade on this example is MUMEI, and doesn't look to Showato due to the condition of the tang. However i can see a clear HAMON and HADA in the JI. There also looks to be crystallization along the hamon.  I've attached pictures that show this, so would this be a higher end special order Type 98 Shin Gunto?

[Shamsy]

Pattern 7 and 8 Type 95 have a thin cloth (cotton?) Over the wooden saya which is painted. There is typically no texture though.