Nihonto at Woolwich Arsenal

[hybridfiat]

Does anyone know what happened to the small number of nihonto that were on display at the old Rotunda museum in Woolwich?

I remember seeing some nice examples of nihonto there in the mid 80s, including a massive katana that had a mihaba of at least 30mm. The description was of a custom sword possibly made for a sumo wrestler.

Id be interested to know if they are still on display somewhere.

[IanB]

Steve, Much of the original collection from the Rotunda, consisting of European arms and particularly armour, was transferred to the Royal Armouries. This was however considerably earlier than the 1980's. To my knowledge, there were no Japanese items in the transfer. When I joined the Armouries in the 1990's there about 35 swords in the collection, none being from the Rotunda. Since then of course the number has been greatly enhance by the Deryk Ingham collection of 57 swords; a generous gift from his family. There have also been other acquisitions from other sources, most noticably a wakizashi by the 4th gen. Tadayoshi and an aiguchi with a blade modified from a Solingen hanger of 1625 or 1635, hardened and polished by a Japanese smith. All in all, a wonderful collection, many in new polish that includes 2 Juyo blades and many others with papers.

Ian Bottomley

[hybridfiat]

Thanks Ian.

The swords were definately there.

I was last there in 1987 and the cabinet was on the left as you entered the tent/building and about 15' away, quite close to the ballbearing clock.

It was a horizontal display cabinet and the "sumo's" sword was at the top. Below it were 4 other blades. All were Japanese.

Ive photos somewhere at home but it will take me some time to dig them out.

Thanks for the reply, Ill be sure to check out the Royal Armouries when we visit this year.