Found up for sale at auction.

[Lee997]

Just spotted this and initially thought it was a modern take on a Japanese sword however description states otherwise.

I’ve personally not seen such a sword before. Thought all Tsuka were woven or in military format metal? 

[Geraint]

Hi Lee.

 

Photographs do look good and that kind of wrap always attracts me.  

 

Rule 1.  Auction houses rarely have sufficient expertise to catalogue swords well and their terms and conditions hedge them around so that they cannot be held responsible in any but the most egregious cases.

Rule 2.  You really need to see this in hand if you are going to spend some money on it.

Rule 3.  Don't be lead astray by their estimate,see Rule 1.

 

All the best.

 

[Bazza]

It could be a lacquered tsuka imitating a silk binding.  I have personally seen such work, but an in-hand inspection is warranted if bidding on this one.

 

BaZZa.

[1kinko]

Why not tsukagawa?

[Lee997]

On 1/19/2023 at 11:41 AM, Geraint said:

Hi Lee.

 

Photographs do look good and that kind of wrap always attracts me.  

 

Rule 1.  Auction houses rarely have sufficient expertise to catalogue swords well and their terms and conditions hedge them around so that they cannot be held responsible in any but the most egregious cases.

Rule 2.  You really need to see this in hand if you are going to spend some money on it.

Rule 3.  Don't be lead astray by their estimate,see Rule 1.

 

All the best.

 

thanks, I understand auctions and how they work and have no intention of bidding at all, the question was simply about the design.

 

[Matsunoki]

Looks like a modern “grip” made up for iai. It looks well done but can’t really say any more….except I’ve never seen that on a Samurai period sword.

[Geraint]

Dear Lee.

 

Forgive me for stating the obvious regarding auction houses.  The more I look the more this one puzzles me and I don't think the answer will be forthcoming unless someone views it in hand.  Like Darrel I thought leather wrap but........... Don't think I have ever seen fuchi kashira like these and I can't match the hilt.  The habaki looks as though it is foiled.  Perhaps Colin has got it.

Just in case you have not seen it I attach a photo of a different style of wrap.

 

All the best.

 

[Bencld]

Hi all. On a tanto of mine! Appears to be thin leather.