Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very nice Japanese Tanto (短刀), which literally translates to "short sword". These could be in any number of different shapes, depending on the requests of the person who ordered it. The blade length of a tanto is typically between 15 and 30 cm (5.9 to 11.8 inches), or 1 Japanese shaku, an ancient measurement. The blade of this example is in the typical Hira Zukuri (平造り- flat shape), which means it is a blade without a shinogi, or ridge typical of longer blades. It comes as a complete set with lacquered decorative scabbard, a lovely handle (tsuka), and a very nice patinated iron crossguard (tsuba).

This example dates from the Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) of Japanese history. This is the period between 1603 and 1867, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo. It has been remounted several times, indicated by the amount of wear in the MEKUGI-ANA (peg hole), as was common for Japanese blades. The tang has suffered heavy oxidation over the centuries, which has completely removed the YASURIME (鑢目 - file marks) on the, and also eroded the edges due to rust blooms. As there is no maker name on the tang, this blade is considered 無銘 (mumei), or "anonymous". We estimate this blade was probably made in the mid 17th century.

The blade has the following period correct features, indicating it is forged in the traditional manner using folded steel made from TAMAGAHANE (玉鋼 - precious steel) smelted iron sand:

- The hole in the tang (meguki-ana) is punched, and not drilled.
- Folded steel blade - fold lines are evident on the body and spine of blade, as well as grain typical of folded steel.
- Faint hamon temper line visible.
- Tang of the blade shows great age.
- The Blade has lamination artifacts or "blade wounds" (kizu) such as ware (lamination lines) and fukure (carbon pits), only possible on traditionally made blades.

Offered in very good condition, the blade of this example has seen quite a bit of service and past oxidation, with some peppering and staining still visible on the surface. It looks to have been cleaned numerous times since the last traditional polish, and the aspects of the blade are not visible anymore. The edge is somewhat sharp, but rough, though there are no major chips or dents visible. Blade length is approximately 12 ⅛" and overall length 18 ½". It has a futsu 普通 (regular) NAKAGO with a IRIYAMAGATA (asymmetrical pointed) NAKAGO-JIRI (tang tip). In the light we can see that it has a very faint HAMON (刃文 - wave or temper line), however we cannot make out what shape it is.

As with some smaller tanto we have seen, the fittings are somewhat minimized in shape and size. The iron TSUBA (cross guard) is relatively small, in the traditional MOKKO GATA (木瓜形 - four-lobed quince shape) type, though it actually still has a HITSU-ANA hole for the KOZUKA handle of a KOGATANA. There are two brass SEPPA spacers around the tsuba to keep it from wobbling, and the TSUKA handle is fitted with a FUCHI top fitting and KASHIRA end cap, which are matched, made from embossed iron with some gold highlighting.

The stingray (Sa-Me) grip is in very good condition, looking to have had black lacquer put over it, or possibly it is from a species of ray with black skin. It has a great navy blue ITO (grip wrapping). which shows only light wear, and no real staining or worked in dirt and oil. The brass MENUKI grip ornaments are held tightly in place by the wrapping and are matched, but are not a design that we recognize, The handle is held in place by a single MEKUGI peg, which could be original, and the tsuba is a bit loose on the tang. The HABAKI blade collar is made fromcopper, typical of the EDO period.

The Scabbard (SAYA) is in excellent condition, covered with a lovely amber metallic URUSHI lacquer finish, which shows a great mottled pattern to the finish. Really a beautiful scabbard! It has a lovely KURIKATA (栗形 - knob), used to attach a SAGEO sword cord (not included), and a blacked brass SAYAJIRI end cap. The finish is in excellent condition, without any splitting along the seams, and would be nearly impossible to improve upon. It definitely looks to be EDO period construction, but the finish may have been redone later during the early 20th century.

A very nice Japanese Tanto short sword from the Edo period with some fantastic decorative fittings! Ready to research and display!

Specifications :
Blade Length: 12 ⅛"
Blade Style: Hira-Zukuri (平造り) - tanto
Grip Length: 5 ½"
Overall length: 18 ½“
Scabbard Length:14"

It has been over one thousand years ago that the art of making swords appeared in Japan. The swordsmiths of the time may not have known it but they were creating a legendary sword. The Samurai sword has seen combat in many battlefields. From the early days of the Samurai warrior to the fierce battles in the South Pacific during WWII.

Each hand-made Samurai sword is unique because it is forged from steel stock. A tremendous amount of work is dedicated to creating these pieces. They were an instrument of war as much as a beautiful artifact to adorn a room.

The Samurai sword has grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.