Ko kinko tsuba with hole in seppa-dai

[thutson]

Hello everyone,

 

I have here a ko kinko shakudo tsuba with an aoi mokko gata shape, vertical nanako and Chrysanthemum design.

 

I would like to ask for opinions on the opening that's been cut into the seppa-dai, is this likely original to the tsuba and what would this type of hole be used for?

 

Many thanks in advance,

Tom

[ROKUJURO]

Thomas,

if I remember correctly, we had a thread where this feature was discussed, but right now I can't find it.

[kissakai]

Is it for the retaining clip on a WWII sword?

 

[Tensho]

https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/topic/9460-tsuba-with-slotted-seppa-dai/

 

 

There has been other discussions about them. There has to be a koshirae somewhere out there that will help piece them together.  A locking mechanism of some sort is my guess. I haven't seen any fuchi or seppa with corresponding slots besides gunto though?

 

[thutson]

Many thanks for the link to the old thread and for your opinions, I will have a read through it.

 

Best,

Tom

[Spartancrest]

A little off topic but I just noticed this iron guard [Kaneie] with a very thin slot - https://www.jauce.com/auction/g1064975990

 

The slot is so narrow I don't see it could be used as a spring loaded lock like on WWII gunto, very limited sideways movement possible - backwards/forwards perhaps?

[vajo]

These are to small for the clipper lock.

Ron speaks about it.

 

[JohnTo]

Hi Tom,

I posted the same question regarding one of my tsuba on 29 Nov 2022 (see pic below but search for original posting in this forum).  Title: Additional ‘hitsu ana’ on Umetada tsuba.  It was decided that the slot was for a catch, as used in WWII swords, to prevent the blade slipping out  I postulated that it might have been useful on a wakizashi as this would have been more likely to happen if the samurai was bowing really low while kneeling.  If I'm not mistaken I also posted a picture your tsuba as another example which I found for sale on Aoi Art in Japan.

 

Best regards, John  

[JohnTo]

Additional ‘hitsu ana’ on Umetada tsuba - Tosogu - Nihonto Message Board (militaria.co.za)

 

Tom, here is the link, I hope (Not too good at posting links)

 

John

[kissakai]

Maybe a securing strap with Japanese thin cord?

 

[JohnTo]

Grev,

Unlikely to be a securing strap as the slots would be hidden under the seppa.  It would only work if the seppa on the blade side had a hole and the strap secured the wakizashi to the saya.  Difficult to release.  But if Lord Asano had such an attachment he would not have been able to draw his blade and attack Lord Kira and we would not have had the wonderful story of the 47 ronin.  I think it would have to be a catch release as found on WWII swords with the button on the tsuka and the release arm in the tsuka.

 

Regards, John

 

 

[thutson]

Many thanks for the link and your thoughts John and for everyone else's comments.

 

On the tsuba I posted, it feels like the maker left space on the seppa dai for the edition of this hole, so I believe it was an original feature, rather than a later edition.

 

If this was for a catch release, the seppa would also have to have a hole in it. I was wondering whether an example of a koshirae or tsuka that displays this feature been found?

 

Regards,

Tom

[Steves87]

I just had this pop up on the instagram feed. I have no idea how this works, but the first idea that came to mind was some sort of slot through the Tsuba for a Tsuka mounted trigger. Then I remembered this thread, so I thought I'd pop the pic on here to see if any one knew if the slots would be able to accommodate a trigger?

[Bugyotsuji]

Yes, we had a thread on these recently.

 

It's a terrible photo as the important area is covered by the shadow of the tsuba. There is a folded shut, straight drop-down (pop-out) trigger on the box facet facing towards us, forward of the square black hole.

 

When you lift the hammer at the top of the barrel, the trigger folds out.

 

Some easier to see examples here: 

 

[Steves87]

Thanks Piers, great link there. I guess that confirms that it has nothing to do with the slot shown in the above Tsuba!

[Bugyotsuji]

Oops, I wasn’t really following this thread itself. Hmmm… difficult problem!
 

Could it hide a tiny gold nugget for emergencies between the seppa, or connect through in some way to reach in and release a hidden compartment in the koikuchi of the saya?

[Geraint]

Dear All.

 

Late to the thread but I have just come across this one, https://sanmei.com/contents/media/A29297_T5672_PUP3F.html

 

Seems like it might have something to offer here.

 

All the best.

[kissakai]

Strange find well done

 

[thutson]

Very interesting find Geraint, thanks for sharing!

[Tensho]

Good find Geraint. Definitely a locking mechanism on that tanto!

[Kanenaga]

I've been told that when a young boy was presented with a sword, it would often be locked in the saya using an opening like this in the seppa-dai of the tsuba, to prevent the youngster from actually drawing the blade. Seemed to make some sense.

[Bugyotsuji]

Did someone call?