Satsuma rebellion fittings

[Henry Stewart]

Gentlemen just to say I'm not really bothered about blade condition. Its the koshirae that matters--if poss in orginal found condition.

 

regards

 

Henry

 

EDIT Brian - Moved to GD as a reference on these fittings for the future.

[pcfarrar]

Hi Henry,

 

I have one that turned up in the possession of an old lady in Southport. She said it had been in her family a long time. It's an "unmessed" with wakizashi. The blade needs a polish but its nice quality (no forging flaws), o-suriage, with very active choji hamon that reaches the shinogi in places. As you can see in the photo the nioiguchi is very wide in places and is lined with fine ko-nie. It looks to be 17th century Bizen Isihdo work.

 

If your interested let me know.

 

Thanks,

 

Peter

 

 

 

[Henry Stewart]

Hi Peter

 

Many thanks for post.I'm always interested in old Wakizashi.

The Tsuka seems to have seen better days,tell me is there anything else about it which could lead you to believe it may be satsuma. With only the one photo its difficult.

Principle question might be what are you expecting for it.

For instance what is the visible menuki,it typically should be a piece of iron.

Lastly satsuma usually sell very low,as most collectors dont like them with their almost total lack of provenance; its just that Ive reached that part of study. Let me have your thoughts pleaase.

 

Kind regards

 

Henry

[Henry Stewart]

Peter

 

If you wish try stwreev@aol.com

 

regards

 

Henry

[John A Stuart]

Hi Peter, What makes you attribute the koshirae as being a Satsuma rebellion piece? They are fairly distinctive and have certain characteristics. Are you going by the colour of the ito? I am not trying to interfere, just wondering. Here is a pic of one I have. Not a great pic. It has very simple plain iron fittings, tan ito, mass produced tsuba and a common red urushi lacquer. Not for sale, but, what I thought of as typical. John

[pcfarrar]

Hi John,

 

The whole koshirae gives the impression of being hastily assembled. The tsuka is not original to the sword and has been adjusted to fit in the 19th century, same with the habaki. It has the typical ito you find on Satsuma rebellion blades and tortiseshell lacquer.

 

It's not rare to see bundles of Satsuma rebellion swords turn up in the UK, presumably a result of trade with Satsuma in the 19th century?

 

Your koshirae looks much nicer than the ones that turn up here. Quite often the tsuka's are made from broken saya and you can see the original lacquerwork under the ito. It is quite suprising what blades you can find in these mounts, a friend found an 8th generation Tadayoshi.

 

Peter

[John A Stuart]

Thanks Peter. John

[remzy]

Gentlemen just to say I'm not really bothered about blade condition. Its the koshirae that matters--if poss in orginal found condition.

 

regards

 

Henry

 

This one might remember something to someone... it sure remind me of a good lesson.

I can safely say that it is the most horrilbe mount that i have ever seen, for reference only Mr Stewart, as the blade is unavailable for photo.

[Henry Stewart]

Remy

 

That is a satsuma tsuka in my opinion. Pity its not for sale. Thanks for your time.

 

Regards

 

Henry.

[pcfarrar]

This tsuka was taken from a Satsuma rebellion katana. The tsuka is made from an old lacquered saya. You can see the kozuka pocket slot on the inside of the tsuka. No menuki just a roughly done binding.

 

 

 

 

This fuchi with the Shimazu clan mon was present on another sword I had in rebellion mounts. Conclusive proof it was from Satsuma.

 

[Henry Stewart]

Peter

 

Thanks for your assistance and apologies for time lapse in getting back to you. I think one of the NMB gentlemen may have cracked it for me (Shan) however I dont have it yet so will wait and see and let you know,if thats ok with you.

Any chance of more photos of the blade you show?

You are quite right when you identified my interest in the metals used.

Kind regards

 

Henry

[Henry Stewart]

Gentlemen

 

Many thanks to all who offered,I have now got the sword I have been seeking;

 

Henry