Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Purchased at a recent military show, this is a very nice Japanese Tanto (短刀), which literally means 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.
This example looks to have been made using a broken blade from a WWII Shin-Guntō (新軍刀, new military sword), a weapon and symbol of rank used by the Imperial Japanese Army between the years of 1935 and 1945. We believe this was done during the WWII period, as damaged and broken blades were not at all uncommon. Towards the end of the war, with an invasion expected, the Japanese population was prepared to fight to repel any invaders, and with even items such as bamboo spears being put into service, a short sword / knife such as this would be a welcome addition.
It still shows the typical shape of the end of a katana, though it has been reshaped, and part of the blade turned into a simple tang. We can actually see some WARE lamination lines in the blade surface, so it is possible that it was made using a traditionally forged blade that broke at some point. Due to the condition of the polish we cannot see any other aspects that might tell us about the blade. It is at present not very sharp, and looks to have been cleaned multiple times since it was made into its current form.
The blade is fit into a resting scabbard (SHIRASAYA), which shows quite a bit of age. The wood has matured to a lovely dark brown color, with some evidence of water exposure in areas. It definitely looks to be at least WWII period in age, and was designed specifically for this blade, with its rectangular tang. It is held in place by a partial original MEKUGI peg.
A very interesting Japanese TANTO short sword from WWII, ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 9 ⅞”
Blade Style: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造) Katana
Overall length: 15 ¾“
Scabbard Length: 11 ¼”
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.
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