Correct period fittings or not?

[Alex A]

This is the 2nd time i have considered buying fittings for a sword. I dont mind shirasaya, i just prefer koshirae. The last time i did this i got the impression from some folk that it was an unnecessary expense and that most older swords are kept in shirasaya. To be honest, i agree, but just prefer a sword in koshirae.

 

When the idea about refitting this sword came about i automatically thought "correct period fittings", its a late muromachi katana and it needs late muromachi fittings. Whilst browsing the net for fuchi, tsuba etc yesterday i was reminded that most koto blades in koshirae have been fitted with shinto/shinshinto fittings anyway, so am i worrying too much?. Im not looking for extravagant fittings, just original, simple iron fittings of that era, but from the few ive looked at so far, the later fittings are in better condition.

 

Does anyone have any views on this?, im open to suggestions and any opinions.

 

Alex.

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Alex,

Grey here. I believe I'm the one who pointed out that most old blades are found in newer koshirae.

It doesn't matter much to anyone other than yourself in which fittings you mount your blade; if you're happy with them that's enough. There is one thing you should take into account, however. Realize that when the time comes to sell the sword, you will be lucky to recoup half of what you send on putting the koshirae together. Potential buyers don't care what you spent to have the saya and tsuka made; they care only about what they will be getting, and they probably would rather have older, original Samurai koshirae than the koshirae a western collector put together. Knowing this, you might decide to keep the cost at the lower end of possible.

And don't think that you won't sell the sword; you will. Either you'll decide to upgrade your collection or you'll pass on and your heirs will sell the sword. Either way, money will be lost.

But again, this is your call. If you don't mind the expense, go for it.

Grey

[Alex A]

Hi again Grey, and thanks for the reply!. As you say, it comes down to personal taste. The cost doesnt worry me too much, theres a few guys over that do good work for a fair price, the waiting time between passing on the work helps to spread the cost. I did one last year and really enjoyed doing it, enjoyed looking for all the pieces (western style, as you said) and it was great to see it all come together, i was more than happy with the result. I would say its given the sword increased value, whether that outways the money spent is another story. With all hobbys, i suppose money is wasted at one point or another.

 

Alex