Black Urushi Saya with Leather Covers

[Justin Grant]

I have a Gunto marked YOSHITSUGU (吉次), Shōwa (昭和, 1926-1989), Gifu – “Yoshitsugu” (吉次), real name Yoshida Jinrō (吉田任郎)

 

question I have surrounds the leather over the black wood vs leather over metal. 
 

And why wood over leather? The sword does not have the metal latch to release it, but what appears to be a leather strap with a snap. 
 

all new to me, I normally collect armor. 
 

 

[robinalexander]

Hi Justin, 

 

At a basic level, leather over wood just means the Gunto was fitted with a combat cover which I believe was required by Regulation (if the saya was not regulation metal).  

 

Many sword did not have a chuso button particularly those that were brought in from families or donated to officers.  The blade is held in place by the pressure between the habaki  and the wooden throat of the saya.   Usually made for each other very common with these types of blades and also with Type 97 IJA  mounts.

 

The leather retaining clip was simply to ensure the blade did not fly out when it was not supposed to. 

 

Rob

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Justin,

 

There are opinions that it was lighter to lug around.

 

Also some came with a leather or oiled cloth foul weather cover for the tsuka.

 

Here's a mine of information for you to start digging:  http://ohmura-study.net/900.html