Ethnographic Arms & Armour

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-   -   Help identifying Japanese tsuka / sword handles (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28587)

tool_of_a_took 11th February 2023 11:45 PM
Help identifying Japanese tsuka / sword handles
 
5 Attachment(s)
Hi guys, recently acquired these tsukas at auction.

I know the first one is a WW2 NCO tsuka, but need help with the other 2. Can’t find anything similar to the metal dragon tsuka so absolutely any info would be appreciated.

I’m guessing the 3rd one maybe belonged to a merchant as it’s quite plain, but have no idea really. Does anyone have any idea of the age of these 2 pieces and who might have used / owned them?

David R 12th February 2023 09:10 PM
Your third example is from what's known as an Okashi-To, aka a "loan sword", also referred to erroneously as a "Satsuma sword". Basically a castle arsenal back in the day would recycle worn out blades and mounts to produce cheap blades for issue to peasant soldiers in time of need.
Merchants had all the money in the Edo period and could afford the good stuff.

tool_of_a_took 13th February 2023 03:57 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by David R (Post 278926)
Your third example is from what's known as an Okashi-To, aka a "loan sword", also referred to erroneously as a "Satsuma sword". Basically a castle arsenal back in the day would recycle worn out blades and mounts to produce cheap blades for issue to peasant soldiers in time of need.
Merchants had all the money in the Edo period and could afford the good stuff.
Oh cool, that’s super interesting. I’m guessing that’ll mean it’s not particularly valuable, but it’s almost more interesting to me that a peasant might have used it. It’s easy to get caught up in the “romanticization” of the Samurai, but I quite like having a piece that would’ve been used by a commoner like myself. Plus I daresay it’ll be a good conversation starter!

By any chance, is there any way of narrowing down its age? Early, mid or late Edo? Or is it impossible to tell?

David R 13th February 2023 08:57 PM
1 Attachment(s)
[QUOTE=

By any chance, is there any way of narrowing down its age? Early, mid or late Edo? Or is it impossible to tell?[/QUOTE]

Before the Meiji, after which they were irrelevant with the end of the Han system and creation of a national army. Otherwise, Ghd knows, these have been found with Heian era blades in them, they just ran every piece of junk through the repair shop to make a usable weapon, and then stuck it in the arsenal. Here's one of mine assembled from whatever was in the bit-box back in the day. The kashira is from a handachi scabbard, the basic core is from a knackered Tanto, and the menuki a washer from an Edo period tobacco pouch!

tool_of_a_took 14th February 2023 05:53 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by David R (Post 278970)
Before the Meiji, after which they were irrelevant with the end of the Han system and creation of a national army. Otherwise, Ghd knows, these have been found with Heian era blades in them, they just ran every piece of junk through the repair shop to make a usable weapon, and then stuck it in the arsenal. Here's one of mine assembled from whatever was in the bit-box back in the day. The kashira is from a handachi scabbard, the basic core is from a knackered Tanto, and the menuki a washer from an Edo period tobacco pouch!

Awesome, thanks for all the info! I have a penchant for weapons modified in period, so these are right up my alley


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