Non-standard menuki on standard gunto

[Cuirassier]

Morning all.
I have a standard shin gunto in every respect, except for the menuki, which are clearly original to the tsuka.
Does anyone know what / why?
Cheers
 

Edited August 10, 2024 by Cuirassier
extra photo

[PNSSHOGUN]

Hi Mark, must've been a personal preference of the officer. When paired with good mountings, it can be a very nice contrast.

 

 

 

 

[Cuirassier]

  On 8/10/2024 at 9:19 AM, PNSSHOGUN said:

Hi Mark, must've been a personal preference of the officer. When paired with good mountings, it can be a very nice contrast.

 

 

 

 

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Thanks John.

They are very nice; I think palm tree tops

[John C]

Mark:

I was thinking stylized bamboo leaves like these.

 

John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

  On 8/10/2024 at 9:19 AM, PNSSHOGUN said:

personal preference of the officer

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Mark, forgive me for diverting, but 

John - I see one of yours has black same'.  Do you have any insight or thoughts on why that shows up occasionally?  Just saw another on this Wehrmacht-awards thread.

[PNSSHOGUN]

Not a clue, can only think of a handful over the years and none have had any uniting features.

[robinalexander]

  On 8/10/2024 at 8:52 AM, Cuirassier said:

I have a standard shin gunto in every respect, except for the menuk

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Hi Mark... for your interest,  here is a Kanehisa (Ozawa) of mine.  This is a Type 98 through and through except for the menuki. However many other 95 components are higher end.