Unusual metal Mekugi

[Baka Gaijin]

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.

[Baka Gaijin]

Close up Omote

[Baka Gaijin]

Close up Ura

[Grey Doffin]

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

[Bruce Pennington]

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.

[Brian]

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?

[PNSSHOGUN]

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!

[Baka Gaijin]

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.

[Baka Gaijin]

[Baka Gaijin]

[Baka Gaijin]

[Baka Gaijin]

[Baka Gaijin]

[Baka Gaijin]

[Baka Gaijin]

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.

[Baka Gaijin]

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.

[Baka Gaijin]

I’ve tweaked the exposure and contrast slightly to show the glue-like residue at the mouth of the Mekugi Ana.

[Baka Gaijin]

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.

 

[Brian]

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.

[Bruce Pennington]

[drum-roll................]  and the nakago!?!?

[Dave R]

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.

[PNSSHOGUN]

These can be found on Efu Tachi mounts as well.

[Baka Gaijin]

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)

[Bruce Pennington]

This tachi uses metal mekugi:

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/uploads/monthly_2022_06/8A899441-4D6C-4FA1-920E-C4A43EBC71C3.jpeg.8bf763d75967eb2da820d59eed4fc230.jpeg

[Baka Gaijin]

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.

[Baka Gaijin]

The odd profile of the Mekugi Ana in the Nakago May point towards the reason why the Mekugi failed and became lodged inside

[Baka Gaijin]

And now here is the full nakago:

[Baka Gaijin]

And the biographical details:

 

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Thanks Malcolm!  Enjoyed following your detective work.

 

1944 is the year.  Someone else will help with the smith's name.

[Baka Gaijin]

Thank you Bruce

The Mekugi Ana is unusual 

Drilled or Punched, or a combination of both?

 

There is also an assembly number: