Shin-gunto with black saya, any significance?

[Ron STL]

Just purchased a typical shin-gunto which has a black saya and am curious if this carries any significance. The sword has not been examined since carried in the war, but suffered typical abuse by the child that it was given to. The black saya definitely appears to be issued with this black color, something I've never encountered before. Perhaps someone who studies military mountings can comment on this for me? Surprisingly, the sword blade is a shinshin-to that has been shortened ~ 3.5" singed/dated Oshu Sendai ju Minamoto Kanetsugu, dated 1851. The tsuka was literally rusted onto the nakago, this plus suriage sort of minimizes any value in the blade. However the black painted saya might carry some significance. I'll save this for my table in Chicago in April, but would appreciate your thoughts on this saya. 

Ron STL

[Peter Bleed]

Ron,

I'd love to see the signature, Kanetsugu is a guy.

peter

[PNSSHOGUN]

There are a few theories they belonged to various special groups, however nothing concrete has been established. This thread has alot of various examples of NCO & Officer swords:

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Ron,

You'll find an amazing variety of saya colors on Ohmura's Gunto Site.  Here's a sample from his page.

 

 

Is yours aluminum?  That is a little more rare than the black color, if so.

[Ron STL]

  On 10/14/2021 at 10:21 PM, Peter Bleed said:

Ron,

I'd love to see the signature, Kanetsugu is a guy.

peter

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All very interesting to learn about this black saya question. Answered my question. 

Meanwhile, Peter, I wondered if you were there to pick up  on the Sendai mei. I did have fun checking out this Sednai Kanetsugu fellow but there is not a lot out there on him, although rated "Chu-Jo saku" by Fujishiro. The blade which was suriage and stained from childhood chopping stuff was still interesting. Basically a suguha hamon and original sugata of 28" + originally. you asked for the mei, so the photos should do that. No Kunekane, Peter, but they may have shared some saki together. 

 

Ron STL