Yatate from sword parts

[John C]

Hello:

For something of a crossover piece, here is a yatate made from a tanto fuchi  and kashira. This is not a great example and may not be particularly old, however these were popular after the 1868 ban on swords forced koshirae makers to diversify. Unknown what the barrel is made from, though it is not standard (if anyone can identify it, please do). The design of the fuchi are trees (pine?) and birds.

 

John C.