Japanse Curb Chain ?

[J7W22007]

Hi guys,

Would like to know if this is a Japanese curb chain (sword hanger).

Japanese call them Gurumetto (グルメット).

Many thanks.
Taka

[GHP]

Hi Taka-san,

I'm not a collector ... but I've seen a lot of photos. I've not seen a spring-clip like in your photol. Every Japanese hanger I've seen has the open-hook (right side)


--Guy

[J7W22007]

Thank you for the quick response Guy-san.

Do only Japaneses use this type of curb chain?

Regards,
Taka

[Jareth]

Guy's example is text book. I think Taka's has been modified. Don't know when & as Guy mentioned, I've never seen Japanese use that type clip.

[gunto]

I go with Jareth.

[J7W22007]

Thank you Jareth-san and, Gunto-san.

Do you think any other countries used these hangers (other than Japan)?

For example: U.S./Commonwealth/European?

Regards,
Taka

[guntojim]

This type of hanger is generally regarded as European and Fuller and Gregory flatly state that is not Japanese, however, the European ( French and German) ones that I have seen all have a hallmark on the backside of the upper clip and are of a lighter weight construction. The one that I have is a duplicate of this one and when I got it in trade from an advanced collector years ago I questioned its authenticity as Japanese and he promptly broke out a publication (in Japanese) and in the section on swords, etc, showed me this type hanger. So, possibly an early copy when the Japanese military was still influenced by foreign styles ? I don't have proof of this but I personally believe that is the case. Regards, Jim

[zachb]

I agree with Jim (and others) on several points. This particular hanger most closely resembles the US 1902 Sword Hanger (several designs with the same basic hardware):

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/foru...belts-hangers/

Which in turn I believe was based on a French design.... some of the earliest 1902 US model hangers are marked "France". I don't see why these would not have been commercially available in Japan. Their also might have been some found in the Philippines.

[J7W22007]

Thank you all for the help guys, much appreciated !!

There is no markings but hey, it still a very interesting piece.



Regards,
Taka