Unknown significance of chevron design on Sarute

[PNSSHOGUN]

Have seen this somewhat unique variant of the clasped hands Sarute over the years and always wondered what (if any) significance they held. My observations have noted the following:

 

• tend to be present on good quality Koshirae
• a few have been on Suya Shoten marked Koshirae

 

If you own (or have pictures) of swords with this type of Sarute could you please share them? Ideally noting if they had original rank tassels, bear any maker stamps or have any other features of interest.

 

 

 

[robinalexander]

Hi John, a long shot.

 

Could it be a good conduct embellishment added as an upgrade by owner?

 

I haven't seen any greater than 3 x chevrons and if that is the case (?) if a soldier achieved that level, they wouldnt have to change/add to it (unless they went down )

 

Just a thought.

 

[Stephen]

I don't think rank related.

I'll try something today show the one I had .

It's more of higher end option.

Mine had different color of metal also.

[Stephen]

Did a quick search here, wouldn't you know it it's covered with a tassle. I'll have too boot up the old PC. 

Least you can see the gold top

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

Another on a special Type 98 Koshirae: https://www.samurais....jp/sword/22155.html

 

 

 

[Tensho]

Here's one on mine. Never noticed until this thread.

[Ian B3HR2UH]

Hi John, I wonder if this is an homage to a traditional tachi sarute where there is a v shaped scroll where the shakudo section meets the gilded part ?

Regards Ian

[Bruce Pennington]

Not to go off topic too far, but it is obvious that the Army kabutogane was a direct copy of this one.

[PNSSHOGUN]

That makes a great deal of sense Ian, well spotted.

 

Another on a Iida latch sword. This could be considered interesting (for those who find interest in such trivial matters) as they produced their own unique fittings.

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

This came on a 1935 dated sword, the fittings share a great deal of similarity with the first sword posted but do not bear the Suya Shoten stamp.

 

[Bryce]

G'day John,

Interesting mon on those swords. What are they?

Cheers,

Bryce

[PNSSHOGUN]

Another one of these popped up, although I have some reservations if the mounts are all original.

 

https://www.samurais....jp/sword/24117.html

 

 

[Yukihiro]

Not a chevron, but the "bracelet" on the sarute seems to be highlighting the cuff of a sleeve.

[Bruce Pennington]

You should post that one on the Clasped Hands Sarute thread.  I only see one other photo with a faint lines like yours on John's photo there.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Additional pictures of the above sword now that the photos are gone from the link. Note the early Type 94 style Tsuka with separate Sarute, this is in conflict with the circa 1940's Saya and Tsuba.

 

 

[PNSSHOGUN]

On a Type 94:

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Here's a nice one, John.  On a an "Imperial Gift" Type 94, with zoheito blade, being sold by St. Croix Blades HERE.  The tsuba (assume all the fittings) are Suya Shoten:

 

 

 

[John C]

Another one being sold by Raymo-Ya (Raymond Yan) here with just the sarute and tassel:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267073370378

 

John C.