Pete,
I used a razor to remove part of the leather covering on the handle of the sword.
Underneath is a light colored wooden handle and a visible mekugi (Peg). I stopped there in caution.
Attached are photos of both sides of the handle with leather cover removed and a visible mekugi.
I understand that the ultimate identification will not be possible until the mekugi is removed, the handle is removed to reveal the tang.
Nevertheless, I am interested in what you think of the wooden handle and its condition and possible refining of the guesstimate of the type of sword.
As you can tell I am still proceeding with caution.
Thanks so much!
Dale
handle
Hi Dale, My advice is the same - the handle needs to come off.
And, if it were mine, I would completely remove the leather from the handle and scabbard. It is not historically significant by itself.
What you have so far appears to be some sort of 'shirasaya' (plain, unlacquered wood scabbard, intended for storing a blade). I can see the seam in the wood (normal), and a string that perhaps holds it together (not normal). The two halves of a scabbard or handle are traditionally glued with a rice-paste glue (overcooked rice, mashed into a paste). On yours, I can think of two possible explanations for the string:
The handle is not glued together, or
The string is there so that the leather wrap will stay on (else it would likely slip right off...).
The mekugi (peg) is typically tapered slightly - if so, it only comes out in one direction. The small end of a disposable bamboo chopstick is a good tool to use - if it's too tight, tap the chopstick (or similar tool) with a small hammer, etc.
The tip of a plastic pen may work also.
Don't worry about damaging the mekugi - it is not important (unless it is made of an interesting material, such as bone or horn). If it's in bad shape, the chopstick tip will make a good replacement.
Remove the rest of the leather from the handle, to be sure there isn't a second peg near the other end (unlikely).
After the mekugi is removed, it is possible that the handle will be stuck on the tang. To loosen it, try this:
- Remove the scabbard.
- Wrap the blade in a clean rag, so that you can safely hold it without touching the steel with bare hands.
- Hold the blade handle-downward, and gently tap on the tsuba (handguard) with a non-metal mallet, or a short length of 2X4 or similar. Do NOT hit it hard enough to deform the tsuba in any way - that type of force should not be necessary.
Pete
Removing Handle
Ok Pete, thanks again. Will it then be possible to reattach the wooden handle? I can use the same pegs or substitute chop stick wood, but what about the two wooden handle pieces? Will they come apart? Can they be glued back together with any good glue?
Based on what you see thus far does this appear to be a military sword or samurai sword?
Appreciate your patience with me!!
Dale
handle
Yes, the handle slides back onto the tang.
Most likely, the handle pieces will stay together. But if they separate, you can glue it back together:
- Ideally, use rice paste. This is the traditional choice, because it is weak enough that the joint can be separated for cleaning. Modern glues are stronger than the wood, so if you were to try to split it later, it will rip off pieces of wood.
- Or, use ordinary wood glue or craft glue.
- Whatever you use, use the bare minimum amount, and be sure that it doesn't squirt out on the inside (where the tang is).
I think it's unlikely to be a military sword. More likely a "real" Japanese blade of some sort. But note that being "real" or "old" does NOT necessarily mean "good" or "quality". For example, there are a fair number of low-quality blades made in the late 1500's, because it was a time of very high demand due to continuous civil war.
Pete
Handle
Great, thank you. I will keep you posted....Dale