Handachi

[Ronald Aguirre]

Hello all, I am having some trouble understanding something I’ve been reading about. What are Handachi mounts? Are they common? When were Handachi mounts popular? Did they use Handachi mounts on WW2 gunto? 
 

Thanks for your help! 

[Dereks]

I don't have an answer but I have an additional question as well. What I've read about Handachi is they became popular on the 19th century.(I might be wrong) What about Tachi koshirae? I've read that they've been making those fancy tachi koshirae also in the 19th century but who was wearing them? I don't think Samurai would walk around with tachi koshirae so was it a ceremonial thing? 

[Geraint]

Dear Ron.

 

Handachi koshirae is essentially half tachi, all the mounts of the tsuka and say look like tachi mounts but the koshirae will have a kurikata and no hangers.  It may also have provision for kodzuka and kogai which is not usual for a tachi. (See below).

 

 

WWII gunto mounts are reminiscent of tachi mounts but quite distinctive, (see below). it would be possible to find a handachi mounted sword converted for use in WWII.

 

 

Derek, tachi mounts are essentially for use with armour, there are types for specific activities and ceremonial events including court activities.  A rough distinction would be between early tachi koshirae which are for use in combat, sophisticated and high quality tachi koshirae produced during the Edo period and a relatively commonly encountered type with brass mounts,often engraved with floral designs and silver plated, that are usually assumed to have been manufactured in the late 19th century or early 20th century. (See below)  For a high end example see here, https://nihonto.com/6-03-18/

 

Hope that helps a little.  If you want to dog deeper than Sesko's excellent book on koshirae should be good for you.

 

All the best.