Baka Gaijin Posted June 22, 2022 Report Posted June 22, 2022 Good morning Gentlemen, I have recently acquired an Officer’s sword surrendered in Singapore. It has an unusual metal Mekugi, which I think may be screw threaded. Before I apply gentle persuasion, I wonder if anyone has encountered this type before. Quote
Grey Doffin Posted June 22, 2022 Report Posted June 22, 2022 Hi Malcolm, It could be a 2 piece pressure fit (tapered male & female join) but the slot in one side suggests a 2 piece threaded join. When you apply gentle persuasion, keep in mind that it can be either a right or left hand thread. Grey 2 Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 22, 2022 Report Posted June 22, 2022 Haven't seen that before. I have a vague memory of seeing something similar on a civil set of fittings. Looking forward to seeing the rest. The stitching on the leather cover looks to be good workmanship. Quote
Brian Posted June 22, 2022 Report Posted June 22, 2022 The remnants of a slot make me think this was a screw where the head was ground down, leaving just the hint of a slot. I doubt it's original and you may be able to grab it with pliers and turn it out. Maybe the old "ask the dentist for a favour" trick will get you an Xray? 1 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted June 22, 2022 Report Posted June 22, 2022 Hi Malcolm, it is reported that after combat experience in China the fragility of inferior quality Tsuka and Mekugi materials became immediately apparent. Among the recommendations to improve strength included use of brass Mekugi, so there is a precedent for this. Whether this is the case with yours will literally remain to be seen! 2 Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted June 22, 2022 Author Report Posted June 22, 2022 Thank You Gentlemen, It looks to be in its original polish Non Traditionally made, I think. 68 cms nagasa There is a slight thickening of the Tsuka towards the Tsuba. Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted June 22, 2022 Author Report Posted June 22, 2022 Its in reasonable condition after 77 years, the blade having been covered with the British version of Cosmolene. WD40 on a soft cloth has worked its magic, next is a light application of sword oil to stabilize. I think that Brian and Grey's suggestion holds water, and the groove is deliberate to indicate which is the "top" so to speak. 1 Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted June 25, 2022 Author Report Posted June 25, 2022 Good morning Gentlemen, I've removed the Brass pin which is actually two tapering pins of slightly different diameter and, it was remarkably simple. The mouth of the Mekugi ana shows evidence of a whitish glue like substance, which may be rice starch. There are also traces of this on the “barrel” of the slightly larger pin. I’m drawn to the theory of a field repair, as the barrels of both parts show much filing and angling to get a tight fit. 1 Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted June 25, 2022 Author Report Posted June 25, 2022 I’ve tweaked the exposure and contrast slightly to show the glue-like residue at the mouth of the Mekugi Ana. Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted June 25, 2022 Author Report Posted June 25, 2022 This all looks like old work leaving me with the thought that both parts were, as Brian intimated, made from dome headed Brass screws. I put this theory to the esteemed membership for your consideration. Quote
Brian Posted June 25, 2022 Report Posted June 25, 2022 Definitely a lot of work went into that. It wasn't some 5 minute field repair. Hmm. Someone must have wanted that system specifically instead of just whittling a wooden dowel. Very interesting. Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 25, 2022 Report Posted June 25, 2022 [drum-roll................] and the nakago!?!? 2 1 1 Quote
Dave R Posted June 25, 2022 Report Posted June 25, 2022 Also very traditional, though usually on Tanto rather than Katana. I had one of the two piece screw type turn up in an order from Japan of sarute barrels. 3 Quote
PNSSHOGUN Posted June 25, 2022 Report Posted June 25, 2022 These can be found on Efu Tachi mounts as well. 1 Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted June 26, 2022 Author Report Posted June 26, 2022 Hi Bruce [drum-roll................] and the nakago!?!? All things in due time........... (The mounting is very firm and I'm gently using the specialist wooden tools for removing tight tsuka) Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted June 26, 2022 Report Posted June 26, 2022 This tachi uses metal mekugi: https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/uploads/monthly_2022_06/8A899441-4D6C-4FA1-920E-C4A43EBC71C3.jpeg.8bf763d75967eb2da820d59eed4fc230.jpeg Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 11, 2022 Author Report Posted September 11, 2022 Hi Bruce [drum-roll................] and the nakago!?!? All things in due time........... Mystery solved.................. The two piece metal Mekugi was inserted to hold together the remnants of an old Mekugi which were “stuck” inside. 1 Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 11, 2022 Author Report Posted September 11, 2022 The odd profile of the Mekugi Ana in the Nakago May point towards the reason why the Mekugi failed and became lodged inside 1 Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 11, 2022 Author Report Posted September 11, 2022 And now here is the full nakago: Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 11, 2022 Author Report Posted September 11, 2022 And the biographical details: Quote
Bruce Pennington Posted September 11, 2022 Report Posted September 11, 2022 Thanks Malcolm! Enjoyed following your detective work. 1944 is the year. Someone else will help with the smith's name. Quote
Baka Gaijin Posted September 11, 2022 Author Report Posted September 11, 2022 Thank you Bruce The Mekugi Ana is unusual Drilled or Punched, or a combination of both? There is also an assembly number: 1 Quote
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