unusual long D Guard

[Volker62]

Hi Guys

 

Got recently a very nice D-Guard sword, early Meiji Periode which has a long, (two hand Hands) Handle.

 

The  D-Guard  bow has a solid/ integrated fuchi.....!

 

It looks like, it was made from one piece....very costly

 

 

Can give someone give me more information?

 

Most unusual.

 

Thank you in Advance!!

[Volker62]

has nobody here on the board ever seen anything like this?????

[Geraint]

Dear Volker.

 

I only have a couple of these but here are some thoughts.  As a craftsman when I look at your photographs I jump to the assumption that the fuchi is in fact a separate piece which is silver soldered to the D guard.  This does not make it any the less rare but it does mean that the whole assembly is not made from one piece.  I am also intrigued by the square hole in the guard.  If that is for a latch then it is also an unusual placement, or should I say one that I have not noted.

 

Looking forward to what others can add to this one.

 

All the best.

[Bruce Pennington]

There were some kyugunto with thumb latches.

 

@lonely panet is one of the guys (can't remember who else) specialized in kyu.  He would have some background.

[Volker62]

Geraint

 

many thanks for your kind and most informativ mail!!

 

Perhaps it was soldered to its Guard, but in any case I've never seen it before and that's makes it so interesting...

 

 

[Volker62]

there are no ordinary seppa in this koshirae.

 

there is only one, leather made like a seppa, that lies between saya and handle, as can be found

 

in european edged weapons

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

I have seen a mixture of the leather and metal seppa on these, some with both.  I checked mine but it has only metal seppa.