Repaired/wrapped Saya - wartime or post-war?

[Kolekt-To]

Some questions about this Saya (pictured on eBay - Kai Gunto for sale). Obviously the saya is in bad shape. It appears that it was repaired or wrapped with a cream-colored string. Was this done during the war? If so, was this a common type of repair? Could it be an amateur repair done post-war? Is this saya legit? What do you guys think?

[ChrisW]

Was probably done by the GI who captured it, either during or post war.

[Bruce Pennington]

The collecting world has a name for the string-wrapping, braiding, thing G.I.s and sailors did onboard the ship, lots of time on their hands.  A few examples on NMB of it.  There were many white, cloth wrapped tsuka done by the Japanese.  Can't say I've seen examples of them doing the saya.  But remember - "Never say never, nor always, with gunto".