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tsuka, tsuba valuation and identification


kchapman

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At the recommendation of a fellow Japanese rifle collector, this is my first post here. These parts are from a widow of a local estate, and to help out, I picked this lot up. Most of it is cultural, but there were a few items that stood out. So…

 

I’d really appreciate if someone can give me an idea as to what these parts are, a translation of the apparent characters, and their value. My apologies in advance for showing up, having never posted before, and asking for a valuation. 
 

The small tsuba has two different sets of markings. The outer perimeter has some sort of markings, and then there is kanji (?) on the inner area. I know nothing about swords, so sorry if I’m bothering the correct nomenclature. 

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Hi Kevin, welcome to NMB!  So the smaller copper washer like objects are called seppa, they fit on either side of the tsuba or handguard.  The broken leather washer would have been on a military sword and the tab would have had a press stud on it so that it could pass through one of the slots on the tsuba and clipped to the scabbard.

 

The broken bit with the cloth tape is the pommel end of a tsuka or hilt.  It has an iron kashira or pomel cap.  The other bit is a tsuka but it looks like one that someone was attempting to make up.  The metal collar with the flowers is the fuchi.  The two larger items are tsuba or guards, the smaller one is for a tanto or dagger, the larger one is the most interesting of the lot.

 

If that's not clear then please do ask.

 

ALl the best.

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24 minutes ago, Geraint said:

The metal collar with the flowers is the fuchi.  The two larger items are tsuba or guards, the smaller one is for a tanto or dagger, the larger one is the most interesting of the lot.

 

If that's not clear then please do ask.

 

ALl the best.

Thank you, Geraint! Edit: I asked a question but now I understand what you were describing, so I edited my first reply. :)

 

 Any idea what the value of this lot is? I may be moot to ask since you're in the UK and I'm in the US, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks again for your detailed reply. Much obliged. 

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Kevin, not very much value for the smaller bits and pieces I'm afraid.  Sorry I can't make out the signature on the smaller tsuba.  Do we have a photograph of the other side of the larger tsuba?  I would guess around$100 to $150 for that one if the back is in the same sort of condition  Others will add to this later on.

 

Just one question, are there two of the little ornaments on the hilt?  They are menuki and if  so and they are OK then maybe a bit in them, can't tell from these photos.

 

All the best.

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3 hours ago, Geraint said:

 

Just one question, are there two of the little ornaments on the hilt?  They are menuki and if  so and they are OK then maybe a bit in them, can't tell from these photos.

Geraint, here are a few more pics. Is this the area you’re talking about on he hilt? Also, here’s a pic of the other side of the larger tsuba. 

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Hello Kevin, there is not much of value in these parts.

The small tsuba is missing most of its inlaid bits, and the signature is illegible. I think considering the state of preservation, it is a sub-$100 tsuba (even though it may have been quite nice at one time in its life). The bigger tsuba feels like it is a generic late Edo period period work, and its hard to tell if the gold bits are inlay or some other technique, but it seems to be something other than inlay. At any rate, I think this one is also sub-$100.

The "seppa" spacers are not worth anything as art objects, but collectors of swords are always looking for authentic seppa to have on hand, just as spare parts. Maybe $20 for the lot. (More if they have real gold foil on them).

The end cap with the thread running through it may be interesting to someone who is looking for a non-descript part like this, but it has no real value except as a spare part - maybe $10 for this. 

Tsuka (hilt) can be valuable if they are in good shape or have valuable metal fittings still attached to them. The one in the picture is not in great shape, and the fittings don't look particularly spectacular. This too looks to be only valuable to someone who will be interested in the various bits to use as spare parts. 

 

Not a lot to get excited about in this set, I'm afraid. My gut feeling is you would be lucky to get $200 for the lot. 

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Thank you Steve. I initially had $35 on the lot when I thought about listing it on another forum, that was my best guess at a fair price, but after checking with a member there who is a fellow Japanese rifle collector, he suggested I post it here for more info. I’m glad because I’ve learned a lot and can (almost) use the correct terminology in the sale description.  
 

My hope is that this stuff, and the other items (unrelated to swords and fittings) can be of use for the next guy. 
 

Thanks for your input, SteveM. 👍🏻
 

btw, the lot also came with two items that I’ve since learned are sword handle covers. Anything I should know about these?

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Kevin welcome. Geraint was asking about the little round ornaments [menuki] they are used for a better grip on the handle [tsuka] a pair could be worth $80 or much more depending on quality and the metal used I would suggest leaving them on the tsuka to avoid damage. The wrap is a special shark or dogfish skin called Samé.

In this instance I think the wrong sort of kashira is being used - it looks small and has a slot for passing the binding straps through that this type of mount does not use. A picture is worth a thousand words. 

image.thumb.png.fd5a0e77947034c90e07dac809328f00.png

 

I am no expert on swords but I believe the leather handle covers can be rare and thus valuable to the right person. Perhaps a specialist auction might work for you.

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@Spartancrest, @Bugyotsuji, thank you both for your help. If nothing else, this has been a massive learning curve. I specialize in certain variations of Japanese rifles from WWI & II, so this is all new for me. The help from this forum has been kind to say the least. Much obliged. 


Would the hilt covers also date to the late Edo period? I searched for that particular mon but didn't turn up anything. Speaking of which, are the terms "mon" and "kamon" synonymous?

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2 hours ago, kchapman said:

Would the hilt covers also date to the late Edo period? I searched for that particular mon but didn't turn up anything. 

Wearing of swords in public was banned at the beginning of Meiji. Those covers are traditionally made for practical use. All of my instincts tell me they are (late?) Edo period. The Mon/Kamon itself looks to be a multiple affair, an indication of late Edo when the system was breaking down and everyone wanted to have or put together a Mon.


PS I am about to look for one 一 and ※ or 米 - a rice mark symbol, or as the actual word for rice 米文字 Komé Moji.

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13 minutes ago, Spartancrest said:

Here are some eBay examples on leather tsuka covers. [ Not that you can completely trust eBay prices ]

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/384837390792
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/255554818765
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/114944374602

Thank you, Spartancrest. 👍🏻👍🏻
 

perhaps I should just list these remaining items on eBay in two or three difference listings. I’ve sold off the reloading and firearm parts already, so I’m close to recouping what I paid for the whole. Helping out was the most important thing, so no matter where I end up, this has been fun. 

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