Question 2nd Koshirae

[edzo]

Hi again, This is the other mount.

Dear members, regarding the second koshirae, I believe this is a custom early Kai-Gunto but I have not seen one like this before. The saya is a polished dark brown same, all the fittings are matching and silver plated brass or copper. The design throughout all fittings is a five petal cherry blossom. The tsuka is finished with black lacquered same with dark brown ito. My question is I wondered if this might be an officer police mount or possible naval police model. Any opinions will be appreciated. Thanks, Ed

[george trotter]

Hi Edward,

These navy fittings are known officially as "Type Tachi" and were introduced in 1937. The earlier specimens had the polished same saya like this and and also a matte finish black lacquer saya...and later went to shiny black lacquer. The fittings here look nice quality as can be seen from the finished edge of the seppa (kikuza = chrysanthemum edge).

To answer your question about police issue...I think it is most likely a standard naval officer's sword. I don't think the silver plating you mention signifies anything other than a higher grade finish option from a private fittings shop. I have seen a number of silver plated shingunto fittings also ( often with a blade by Ishido Teruhide of Tokyo)....I suggest you peruse Ohmura's site in the links above.

It would be nice to see the blade and mei....

Regards,

[edzo]

Hi mr. Trotter,

Thanks for responding to my inquiry. I will post the blade and signature in a day or so. It is a wakizashi blade 18.75" (nagasa) and a prominent name. I'm trying to find papered signatures in an attempt to kantei the sig. It is signed " Izumi (no) Kami Fujiwara Kunihiro". I'm looking at horikawa etc. not easy being a newbie!, but learning. Thanks again, Ed will send photos.