Cut or Deteriorated...Gunto Tassel?

[dwmc]

Back in July of 2023 in Bruce Pennington Topic "All-Brown Army Gunto Tassel" a question was brought up as to why some tassel ends were removed from various Tassels. Someone suggested the reason may have been to intentionally deface the tassel as often occurred with other Japanese military items as they were surrendered. I suggested the possibility of removal as a memento easily put in one's pocket as a way of remembrance.

 

Another individual suggested the missing tassel end was more likely simply deterioration as to intentional cutting and had nothing to do for sentimental reasons which is quite possible.

 

This is one of those questions with Japanese sword study which may never result in a definitive answer, however, we may be able to determine the absolute difference between deterioration and cutting. A couple of examples of both were offered. Below the ball of a tassel the lanyard is folded back and sewn, as a tassel end deteriorates and falls away the folded area most likely has no other choice but to remain intact. On the other hand, a cut tassel end has been obviously cut which leads to the question as to why. Of course, we may never know the exact reason for obvious cutting but leaves us to contemplate the possible reason,,,

 

Below are examples of each...

 

Dave M.

[Bruce Pennington]

Nice topic Dave!  First time I've seen one folded and sewn like your first photo, very cool.

 

I haven't paid close attention to the ones I've seen over the years to note whether only 1 tassel was cut or 2.  I'll have to pay attention from now on.

[dwmc]

Example of deteriorating tassel with strings falling apart.                                                                                                                                                      

[Tensho]

3 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Nice topic Dave!  First time I've seen one folded and sewn like your first photo, very cool.

 

 

They're all like that Bruce. At least the ones I own. The "tassel" part is a long string of fringes that is wrapped around the cord forming the "ball" 

[PNSSHOGUN]

The crown or ball of the tassel is a separate piece that covers the ends of the strings. You can see on the sword below where the crowns have come off.

 

 

 

[dwmc]

No doubt John your tassel is in the process of deteriorating. Very interesting that metal device was used for tassel end interior foundation...

 

Something most of us have never seen, thanks for sharing!

 

Dave M.

[dwmc]

Even as insignificant as it may be, these cut as opposed to deteriorated tassel ends continue to show up.

It could lead one to believe that there was definite reason for it...examples of both below.

 

[Polaria]

 

 

This gunto tassel came with a sword that has very good provenance and considering how everything was I think it is original to the sword. It came with the loop cut and frayed attached as shown in the picture. I did take it off and retied it once at which point it started to come apart and I lost maybe a quarter of an inch / half centimeter from the frayed part.

[Polaria]

This one also came with the sword and yet again the loop end was cut. This one was attached as shown and I've never removed it from the sword. However it is much too good looking compared to the sword so I assume it might not be original to the sword, or at least not the one with which it came from the factory.

[PNSSHOGUN]

The more elaborate Sarute really tore up the tassels over time and heavy use. Good provenance is the only definitive way to say if a tassel is original.