Damaged Nakago?

[FZ1]

Still learning & still asking! 

 

Any thoughts as to how/why the nakago of this early Koto blade was damaged/modified like this?

 

Thanks.

 

Jon

 

[Ed Harbulak]

A picture of the damage would help greatly to answer your question.

[FZ1]

  Thanks Ed - original post edited!

 

Jon

 

[Ray Singer]

Not an intentional modification. Severe corrosion. The sword was kept in conditions and/or moisture infiltrated the tsuka at some point. 

 

Best regards, 

Ray 

[FZ1]

Ah!  That makes sense, being as the worst of it is around the mekugi ana; presumably that's where the water ingress was worst.

 

Thanks very much Ray.

 

Jon