Binding on civilian blade in WW2 scabbard

[phil reid]

Another recent bulk purchase of blades.Curious about the bindings on the handle, uniform thick cotton or canvas, has anyone seen similar?

[phil reid]

[phil reid]

Blades tired and i thought it a bit heavy but handles very well, back edge of tangs about 8mm at widest!

[Guest Simon R]

It's obviously a much older blade in what appears to be Satsuma rebellion style mounts. These usually have iron washers as menuki but this example's menuki are also extremely plain - so I'm going with a rebellion katana remounted for WWII.

[phil reid]

Yes, as mention it was more the hilt binding i was questioning, late 1800s or WW2 rebinding.

[Geraint]

Dear Phil.

 

This seems to be simply a katana with a leather combat cover.  Ito was much more varied than we generally see nowadays and I have seen similar ito before.  I wouldn't jump to Satsuma rebellion/okashito as the style of wrap on those is usually quite different and the fittings much plainer.

 

Worth going carefully with this one I think.

 

All the best.

[Mister Gunto]

Nice piece!

[Death-Ace]

Always awesome to see blades pressed into service during WWII maintaining their older koshirae! Nice find!