Kai Gunto Tsuba Markings

[ribendao]

Hello,

 

Recently picked up my first kai gunto. Upon disassembly I discovered unusual markings underneath the dai-seppa. Have not seen anything that matches it online before. Is it possibly an older tsuba reworked for this kai? Has anyone every seen something like this before?

 

Thanks

 

[ChrisW]

Looks like a tsuba repurposed for your kai gunto or simply put in place of the missing original.

[Bruce Pennington]

Do the other seppa have the hole for a retention strap?  Is the saya leather covered?  Pics would help.

 

What about the blade?  Is it old or a Showa era blade?

[ribendao]

1 hour ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Do the other seppa have the hole for a retention strap?  Is the saya leather covered?  Pics would help.

 

What about the blade?  Is it old or a Showa era blade?

Hi Bruce, 
The other seppa seem standard for a kai. The piece pictured above appears to be made of copper. The other seppa all match up and have holes for a working retention strap/clip. The saya is ray skin covered. The blade appears to be mumei with only the numbers 九六 painted on. Blade has legit hamon but I think the blade is oil quenched or something. I don't see any stamps but noticed a suspect spot were one may have been at one time. The sword also came with a surender tag as well

[Bruce Pennington]

I have seen this a couple of times, if memory serves it was on army gunto. It is possible that it is a personalization by the owner of the Sword. Maybe some thing from home or family.

[PNSSHOGUN]

The quality of the engravings are poor enough that it very well may have been done by the soldier to pass the time.