Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

katana · 30th December 2008, 05:30 PM

Looking at the hilt there is evidence of a re-hilt....

There seems to be a steel washer below the screw holding the knuckle bow which would not be original. ( Perhaps the washer acts as a 'spacer' to improve the 'fit' of the knucklebow.)

There is also evidence of 'vice marks' on the pommel and other parts of the hilt.....perhaps where it was held whilst the tang was peened over. There seems to be no patination on the inside of the brass guard ...which seems to suggest that the hilt componants were cleaned whilst it was apart.

The leather washer at the junction of the blade with the guard seems recent...there is little or no wear where it would meet the top of the scabbard. It is possible the leather covers the possible mis-matched blade and guard ie the slot in the guard was originally designed to accept a different profile of blade.

Still a nice piece .....and perhaps why this is difficult to ID

Kind Regards David

30th December 2008, 05:30 PM	#19
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Looking at the hilt there is evidence of a re-hilt.... There seems to be a steel washer below the screw holding the knuckle bow which would not be original. ( Perhaps the washer acts as a 'spacer' to improve the 'fit' of the knucklebow.) There is also evidence of 'vice marks' on the pommel and other parts of the hilt.....perhaps where it was held whilst the tang was peened over. There seems to be no patination on the inside of the brass guard ...which seems to suggest that the hilt componants were cleaned whilst it was apart. The leather washer at the junction of the blade with the guard seems recent...there is little or no wear where it would meet the top of the scabbard. It is possible the leather covers the possible mis-matched blade and guard ie the slot in the guard was originally designed to accept a different profile of blade. Still a nice piece .....and perhaps why this is difficult to ID Kind Regards David Attached Images Last edited by katana; 30th December 2008 at 05:42 PM.