Jump to content

Swords with original tassels


Recommended Posts

It would be interesting to see swords with 100% original tassels on them, either verified through patina, obtained directly from Vets or photo evidence. Kyu Gunto are perhaps easier to verify, especially with the tassel is frayed and damaged from wrapping around the D guard. I have had a few certain ones, a Yoshiharu Type 98 bought direct from Vets family with company grade tassel and a Koa Isshin Mantetsu with company grade tassel more or less fused onto the cord sarute from use in the field. One day the goal is to have swords with original Field Grade & General Grade tassels so all ranks are represented.

 

Please share any authentic examples you own.

post-3926-0-76608200-1590224671_thumb.jpgpost-3926-0-15607200-1590224675_thumb.jpg

 

 

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

With this one the tassel arrived as part of the whole package, with age appropriate wear. Vendors photo's 'cos they are better than any I could currently take. The koshirae is a very plain, and a field saya so probably later war.

post-2218-0-28436700-1590227250_thumb.jpg

post-2218-0-59669000-1590227316_thumb.jpg

post-2218-0-21045400-1590227329_thumb.jpg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here’s one. All of the other fitting numbers match, so I can’t imagine the tassel isn’t original as well. This sword was found wrapped in a blanket in the rafters of a barn in Pennsylvania. Those that I obtained it from weren’t collectors. With that in mind, I highly doubt it was added at a later time.

 

post-3693-0-90216400-1590242307_thumb.jpegpost-3693-0-20456800-1590242339_thumb.jpegpost-3693-0-64605500-1590242368_thumb.jpeg

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...

This Kai Gunto came from its original owner with an Army tassel. The saya looks like it never had a second haiken installed, and with an Army tassel it is reasonable to guess that it belonged to an Officer belonging to the Navy Landing Detachment/Marines 

 

IMG_2031.jpeg

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Last sword, a Kai Gunto previously posted. Full provenance of the officers on both sides, also there is a photo of the IJN Commander (right) holding the sword. Now direct traceable provenance is the most reliable way to determine if a tassel is original to a sword.

 

20230611_120031_HDR.thumb.jpg.b2e49ce89e167a8ba601aefb68cd9852.jpg20230611_120014_HDR.thumb.jpg.b6ac59cdf89bfc4e34f147acf6b09028.jpg

20230303_125622_HDR.thumb.jpg.e616a779d01ca76e8c73eb45eb6afaf3.jpg20230611_120053_HDR.thumb.jpg.0f5b68289c7c59d4bc2925bd90f60954.jpg

67d974fc-ca49-47f4-9872-da0f9d3bab77.jpeg.b9a2b219f53238326db53bc7cdfcded9.jpeg

  • Like 1
  • Love 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Another Kai with IJA Company Grade tassel.

 

Apologies if I have posted this in the past.  I noticed the inconsistency on the Australian War Memorial website during Covid.  I contacted them and they were very accepting...they checked their original records and advised they would add the wording now shown at the end of the first paragraph...good result, but still makes you wonder if the NLF changed tassels during shore duty.

Screenshot_20230613_203909_Chrome.jpg

Screenshot_20230613_203836_Chrome.jpg

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

This thread is quite old. Please consider starting a new thread rather than reviving this one, unless your post is really relevant and adds to the topic..

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...