Daito in "combat" coverings

[Andrew]

Another from my friend's lot. I'll post up full length photos when he sends them to me.

I handled and examined this one as well. Couldn't remove the tsuka as the mekugi is covered by leather and I didn't want to try unstitching it just yet. The tsuba is clearly not gunto, and the saya is laquered wood covered with leather as well.

Blade is in rough condition and looks like someone was trimming their hedges with it at some point. A few openings in the hada, and some nicks to the edge near the tip. The straight (sugu) hamon is quite visible and pronounced. Some hataraki ("activity") is visible as well.

[stekemest]

Hi Andrew,
Please show pictures of the whole sword and, if possible, the tang so we can probably be able to identify it.
Peter

[Andrew]

Hi Peter. I've requested photos of the entire sword, but I'm reluctant to try and remove the handle at this point to look at the tang. I need to look at it again to see how easily that leather cover will come off the tsuka.

Andrew

[stekemest]

By the way, the condition seems usual for WW2 pieces. A katana of mine looks the same and it has also been used in WW2.

[Andrew]

I agree. When I first looked at it, I thought it might be gunto with a mis-matched tsuba. Looking closer, I think this is nihonto wrapped in leather. Perhaps a family sword wrapped in leather for use during the war? :shrug:

Is that "layered" habaki unusual?

[kisak]

Two-piece habaki aren't too uncommon from what I can recall.

[stekemest]

Yes, there are not unusual.

[asomotif]

Lovely tsuba with the playing dog and dragonfly. :)

Maybe you can gently apply some oil on the tsuba to prevent further rust and accentuate the decoration on the tsuba.

Quite possible that this is a family blade carried out to battle.
Is the leather very dry ?
In order to get leather supple again I have heard that you should do this very easy going . do not apply to much grease, as dry leather will absorb as much as it can and than is more likely to crack.

I can imagine that indentifying the tang is important, but the leather cover is also a significant part of its history. :rolleyes:

Nice piece of history all together.

[Andrew]

Photos of tang and tsuka after removal of leather cover:

[stekemest]

Hi Andrew,
Pictures of the whole sword would be nice.
Peter

[Andrew]

I know, Peter. My friend (who owns the sword) seems to like the "macro" setting on his camera. :rolleyes:

I've requested shots of the full tsuka and sword.

[stekemest]

Sorry, I forgot that you cant take the photos yourself. :)
The tang seems to be suriage and is quite rusted, but the patina looks rather old.
Peter

[stekemest]

Andrew,
Got new pictures of the sword? :)

Regards Peter