[kronckew]

The bowl appears to have a fairly thick leather liner, likely to protect the hand from an opponent's thrust thru the openings in the guard design. Looks like the 'folding' portion may be permanently erect. Many folding bits lost the lock button & their owners took the easy route out and had them soldered in the erect position. (The design of the lock button was poor & if replaced would usually just fail again in short order. Some did work, I guess depending on the maker & assigned workman, or the sword was never used in anger, they are a tad more expensive if the folding bit still works)



Brass rubbings would also leave an oxide stain on a light uniform. 'm guessing the gent's trousers were a similar red shade, to make the wool wrap less apparent. This guy showed initiative and was not immune to 'thinking outside the box' like most upper class ijjuts who purchased their commissions.