Japanese Pre-War Sword

[Shadwellarmy]

Hi all,

Not long ago I've enherited this Japanese sword.

The story is that my great grandfather who was a captain sailing the seven seas brought this home to Denmark after a visit to Japan before WWI.

He had a rather large weapon collection, that he at some point was forced to sell and this sword is the only item he kept. Later it was hanging on the wall in my grandparents appartment and now its mine.

Opinions are very welcome. See photos below.

Cheers, Mads

@Mod, for some reason I cant add the photos to the text box.

[BOB COLEMAN]

This is a type of sword mounting made for the export market during the Meiji period. In contains a genuine katana blade but the mounting is designed for the foreign market and is not anything close to the form of mounting worn by a true samurai. The habaki or collar between the blade and handguard has had it's original finish polished off. The handle can be removed by unscrewing the retaining pin in the handle. These are often threaded reverse of normal threading. The blades mounted in these form mounts are usually fair to good quality but nothing exceptional or of any great age.

[Shadwellarmy]

Thank you for info Bob. Were these mass produced?

Cheers, Mads

[BOB COLEMAN]

Thank you for info Bob. Were these mass produced?

Cheers, Mads

It is hand work so I do not know how to answer your question. I have seen them before but I would not think they were available in huge quantities. With the end of the feudal period, swords and armor became useless and the artisans who worked in the sword arts had to find new ways to make a living. Many of the fitting makers graduated in to other areas of metal work.

[rbminis]

With the end of the feudal period, swords and armor became useless and the artisans who worked in the sword arts had to find new ways to make a living. Many of the fitting makers graduated in to other areas of metal work.

Here is an example of what Bob is talking about.
These are two "snuff boxes " made from Japanese sword fittings.
Ralph.



The second one

[Shadwellarmy]

Thanks Bob and Ralph, very interesting info.

[BOB COLEMAN]

Thanks Bob and Ralph, very interesting info.

thank you for the "thank you."

[rbminis]

thank you for the "thank you."

Likewise!
Ralph.

[Tango]

Mads I like the sword I don't know much about these.. infact I know nothing at all lol..but I think it looks good, & the helmets look good too.Have you posted pictures of the sand type helmet?? I wouldn't mind seeing that!!. Cheers Terry.