Shin Gunto koshirae questions.

[GoldenDrachen]

Hi everyone

 

I have this officer's  shin gunto koshirae.

And I have several questions about it:

 

1. I can't find any arsenal marks/stamps on it, is it normal?

2. What material is on the tsuka? Grain is very small

3. How would you grade condition of this whole thing (trying to see if I am dreaming, I think this whole fitting is in quite good shape)

2. In the book (Fuller and Gregory) it was mentioned that these swords could be fitted with ancestry blades. How exactly it would be done?

3. Please feel free to add any other comment - I would be grateful for any  info. 

 

P.S.

 

I never realized that tsuba will be that heavy

Regards

Vitaly

 

[Shamsy]

  On 1/25/2023 at 4:44 PM, GoldenDrachen said:

Hi everyone

 

I have this officer's  shin gunto koshirae.

And I have several questions about it:

 

1. I can't find any arsenal marks/stamps on it, is it normal?

2. What material is on the tsuka? Grain is very small

3. How would you grade condition of this whole thing (trying to see if I am dreaming, I think this whole fitting is in quite good shape)

4. In the book (Fuller and Gregory) it was mentioned that these swords could be fitted with ancestry blades. How exactly it would be done?

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1. Not uncommon on koshirae

2. Could be shark skin... snake skin was also used, but looks like shagreen? Happy to be corrected 

3. Good condition to excellent. Can't see any damage, only an expected and pleasant patina

4. Koshirae were made to fit the sword, so an ancestral blade was taken to a have a custom koshirae made (or one modified to fit if using older fittings like tsuba). Swords for officers were private purchase, so money dictated what you could get. In theory regulations too, but they seem exceedingly flexible. Later, material shortages also become a factor as the war progressed

[GoldenDrachen]

  On 1/25/2023 at 8:06 PM, Shamsy said:

 

1. Not uncommon on koshirae

2. Could be shark skin... snake skin was also used, but looks like shagreen? Happy to be corrected 

3. Good condition to excellent. Can't see any damage, only an expected and pleasant patina

4. Koshirae were made to fit the sword, so an ancestral blade was taken to a have a custom koshirae made (or one modified to fit if using older fittings like tsuba). Swords for officers were private purchase, so money dictated what you could get. In theory regulations too, but they seem exceedingly flexible. Later, material shortages also become a factor as the war progressed

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Thank you so much!

All clear for me now

[raaay]

Hi Vitaly , I take it  living in Ireland ! you are aware there is an  " Irish Japanese sword Society  " I am not sure how often they meet but it may be worth contacting them if you are not already a member ?

 

[GoldenDrachen]

  On 1/26/2023 at 4:11 PM, raaay said:

Hi Vitaly , I take it  living in Ireland ! you are aware there is an  " Irish Japanese sword Society  " I am not sure how often they meet but it may be worth contacting them if you are not already a member ?

 

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Hi Ray

I didn't know about this

But great news! I will give'm a shout.

 

Thank you!