A sword 'three in one' for ID and coments

kisak · 1st December 2009, 04:39 PM

The guard appears a bit unusual in that the detailing on the ship is only on the side towards the grip. Seems to me that for one-sided decorations, the details are generally on the blade side, so perhaps the guard here was intended for a ceremonial/dress sword, one which wasn't going to leave the scabbard. I guess grabbing an old sword blade of impressive dimensions might make sense for such a sword.

As for the mismatch in decoration between grip and guard, could they perhaps be from two different swords originally? The knuckle bow doesn't seem to fit the slot in the grip all that well.

katana · 1st December 2009, 07:00 PM

Hi Fernando

,
I think this is a combination of 3 sword parts (or possibly 2....ie the hilt/blade of one sword and, a replacement guard). The blade to guard seems ill fitting. The 'patina' (darkened area) on the inside of the guard that buts up against the hilt, suggests that the original hilt was a larger diameter. The blade looks to have been shortened .... the fullers seem too close to the 'point' (perhaps due to the original tip being damaged or perhaps to adjust the 'balance' of the sword after receiving its 'new' furniture ). Looks as if this 'composite' was made some time ago, how does it 'feel' in hand ?

All the best
David

1st December 2009, 04:39 PM	#1
kisak Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 182	The guard appears a bit unusual in that the detailing on the ship is only on the side towards the grip. Seems to me that for one-sided decorations, the details are generally on the blade side, so perhaps the guard here was intended for a ceremonial/dress sword, one which wasn't going to leave the scabbard. I guess grabbing an old sword blade of impressive dimensions might make sense for such a sword. As for the mismatch in decoration between grip and guard, could they perhaps be from two different swords originally? The knuckle bow doesn't seem to fit the slot in the grip all that well.

1st December 2009, 07:00 PM	#2
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Fernando , I think this is a combination of 3 sword parts (or possibly 2....ie the hilt/blade of one sword and, a replacement guard). The blade to guard seems ill fitting. The 'patina' (darkened area) on the inside of the guard that buts up against the hilt, suggests that the original hilt was a larger diameter. The blade looks to have been shortened .... the fullers seem too close to the 'point' (perhaps due to the original tip being damaged or perhaps to adjust the 'balance' of the sword after receiving its 'new' furniture ). Looks as if this 'composite' was made some time ago, how does it 'feel' in hand ? All the best David