quote:
Originally posted by Dow Cross:
Paul;
I like it too but the swaz should not be on it although it looks like it's been their for a long time.
PAUL-
YOUR SWORD IS MOUNTED IN A STYLE OF MOUNTING CALLED AIKUCHI. THIS FORM OF MOUNTING WAS USUALLY WORN WITH A TACHI MOUNT. THE HANDLE ORNAMENTS OR MENUKI ARE A FAMILY CREST COMMON TO THE PROVINCE OF SATSUMA ON THE SOUTHERN JAPANESE ISLAND OF KYUSHU. THIS MON CAME IN MANY VARIATION WITH THE SWASTIKA AS FOUND ON YOUR SWORD AND THE REVERSED STYLE ALSO USED BY THE 3RD REICH. THEY CERTAINLY ARE AN ORIGINAL PART OF THIS MOUNTING. DUE TO THE CONDITION OF THE BLADE, I CAN NOT TELL YOU ANY THING ELSE WITHOUT A HANDS ON EXAMINATION.
BOB