Re purposed Japanese Sword in Ethnic dress.

Kmaddock · 29th October 2021, 08:57 AM

Hi all

I have the following coming to me in a few weeks.

looks to be a re purposed Japanese sword probably a Wakizashi

I think I see a Sepoa and a Habaki in the close up of the handle, what do you think? (labelled 1 and 2)

Blade looks to be warped and in terrible condition but it will be interesting to see in hand.

Do the cowrie shells on the handle tell us anything?

Regards,

Ken

Tim Simmons · 29th October 2021, 12:48 PM

Interesting looks like PNG ww2.

Kmaddock · 29th October 2021, 06:15 PM

Thanks Tim,

It will be interesting to see if the handle is removeable and if there are any markings on the tang, I probably don't want to find out it is 15th century blade as it looks in terrible condition.

A friends uncle was going to throw it in the bin but remembered me from a pub conversation and asked if it is of interest to me so at least it is saved now.

I will post better pictures when I have it in hand.

Regards,

Ken

Battara · 30th October 2021, 02:54 AM

The cowrie shell beads look like West Africa to me.

29th October 2021, 08:57 AM	#1
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Re purposed Japanese Sword in Ethnic dress. Hi all I have the following coming to me in a few weeks. looks to be a re purposed Japanese sword probably a Wakizashi I think I see a Sepoa and a Habaki in the close up of the handle, what do you think? (labelled 1 and 2) Blade looks to be warped and in terrible condition but it will be interesting to see in hand. Do the cowrie shells on the handle tell us anything? Regards, Ken Attached Images

29th October 2021, 12:48 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	Interesting looks like PNG ww2.

29th October 2021, 06:15 PM	#3
Kmaddock Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Ireland Posts: 543	Thanks Tim, It will be interesting to see if the handle is removeable and if there are any markings on the tang, I probably don't want to find out it is 15th century blade as it looks in terrible condition. A friends uncle was going to throw it in the bin but remembered me from a pub conversation and asked if it is of interest to me so at least it is saved now. I will post better pictures when I have it in hand. Regards, Ken

30th October 2021, 02:54 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,225	The cowrie shell beads look like West Africa to me.