Q818. Koshirae for a wakizashi. The total length is 34″ (86.5 cm.). This is koshirae only; there is no blade. The saya is black lacquer with horn kojiri, kurikata, and koi guchi. The lacquer is in pristine condition: no damage. The tsuba is iron sukashi, 6.1 x 6.3 x .5 cm, ginger and chidori (plovers) I believe. The fuchi/kashira are signed, shakudo with finest nanako with gold inlay, samurai on horseback. These are quite finely made. The menuki are again shakudo with gold inlay.

The tsuka-ito (handle wrap) is special and, with the exception of one tiny imperfection next to the fuchi, in immaculate condition. All is held together with a jury rigged (not made for this koshirae) tsunagi that works well. All in all, this is a very nice package.

If any of you are hoping to have koshirae built for your sword in shira-saya, here is a tip. Buy this koshirae to display beside your sword (which is best kept in the sira-saya) and save gobs of money on what it would cost to purchase the parts and hire a craftsman to build the rest. 1 pound, 5 ounces. $795.