Original Item: Only One Available. Wakizashi (脇差 "side inserted / companion sword") is a general term for a sword with an edge between one and two shaku long (30 cm and 60 cm), predominantly made after 1600. Generally it is the short blade that accompanies a katana in the traditional samurai daisho pairing of swords, but may be worn by classes other than the samurai as a single blade, also worn edge up as the katana.

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. This is a mid-length wakizashi, and would probably not have been long enough to be considered an Ō-Wakizashi, even though it has the Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造) blade shape as used on most Katana.

This example has most likely been remounted several times, as was common for Japanese blades that are several hundred years old. Age and wear have made the file marks (yasurime) on the tang a bit faint, and given it a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The blade is signed 肥前國 住 藤原 忠廣 - HIZEN NO KUNI JU FUJIWARA TADAHIRO, which translates to “Made by Fujiwara Tadahiro in Hizen Province”. “Fujiwara” is an honorific, so this was made by the smith bearing the name “Tadahiro”, which is a lineage in the Hizen school of swordmaking. The 前 (ZEN) character used on this blade is the correct modified version used by many members of the Hizen school. The tagane (chisel marks) and tagane-makura (raised area around the mei) are still present, so we believe this was made in the late 18th or early 19th centuries, which would probably be the 6th or 7th generation, 七代忠廣 - Nanadai Tadahiro. There is also evidence that some of the smiths using the name Tadayoshi also may have signed Tadahiro before inheriting the name. Definitely some great potential for further research!

The blade has the following period correct features:
- Folded steel blade (fold lines are evident on the spine and body of the blade)
- hole (mekugi-ana) in the tang is punched and not drilled
- blade is signed on the tang by the maker.
- Vibrant visible temper line ("hamon") running full length of blade cutting edge, including on the tip (boshi).
- Hada or Grain is visible throughout the blade surface.
- Ware Kizu (blade wounds) from lamination artifacts, only possible on handmade blades.

Offered in very good condition, the blade of this example measures 17 ¾ inches long and does look to have seen a good amount of use since the last polish. This has made the aspects of the blade faint, and it needs to be held in the light to see them fully. There looks to be a few areas of past oxidation, probably cleaned away with uchiko powder, which does smooth the blade somewhat. The edge is still quite sharp, so care is needed, and there are no nicks or other damage we can see. The blade tang (nakago) is of the futsu 普通 (regular) style, with a Iriyamagata (asymetrically pointed) nakago-jiri (tang tip). Overall length of this wakizashi is 24 ⅝ inches.

The HAMON (刃文) temper line is visible in the light, and is of the SUGUHA (直刃 - straight) shape, showing just a bit of undulation. Along the transition there are clear NIE crystals visible, with cloudy areas of NIOI in the body of the hamon. There is also a lot of internal activity and visible crystallization, something not usually seen on more modern blades. The blade has a proper geometric KISSAKI (tip), however due to the polish condition, the tip temper line (BOSHI) and the YOKOTE (横手 - transition to the tip) are no longer visible. The body of the blade has clear hada (grain), which is of the ITAME (板目 - Wood Grain) pattern. We can see some blade wounds (傷 - KIZU) such as WARE (割れ- lamination lines) and very small FUKURE (脹れ - Carbon pits). These are only possible on true traditionally made blades. The sword has an embossed copper Habaki (blade collar), which is typical of the Edo period.

The tsuba (cross guard) is made of well-patinated iron and is of the iconic MOKKO GATA (quince) shape, showing some lovely embossed designs and a bit of inlay work on the bottom side, which show flowers and a bird. There are two hitsu-ana cut outs on either side of the blade, used for the handles of accessories such as Kogatana knives and kogai hair pins, which are not present. There are 3 gilt metal SEPPA (spacers) around the tsuba to keep the fight tight.

The fuchi (collar) for the tsuka (handle) is iron, as is the KASHIRA (End Cap), and both show some lovely matching gilt inlays. The stingray (Sa-Me) grip is in very good condition, with a lovely black ITO grip wrapping, which holds the end cap in place. It is in really good condition, showing some light staining, and may have been re-wrapped during the WWII period. There are two matching bronze menuki present, which look to be crabs, and are very well executed. The handle is held in place by a single securing peg, which is most likely a replacement. Really a nice handle!

The sword comes in a well fitting gloss black lacquer wooden scabbard (SAYA), which features some lovely ratan material wrapping at the top, which has a copper sheet underneath, giving it a great look. There are no accessory slots, but it has a KURIKATA (knob) with an attached SAGEO (sword cord) for fastening it to the clothes. The scabbard is in very good condition, showing some splitting and cracking along the seams, and has a very nice plated end cap.

A very nice Edo Period O-wakizashi by a well-known lineage of swordmakers, complete with some very nice fittings. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 17 ¾"
Blade Shape: Shinogi-Zukuri (鎬造)
Overall length: 24 ⅝“
Scabbard Length: 22 ¾"

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 Japanese blade (日本刀 - Nihonto) is unique because it is forged from multiple pieces of folded 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 traditional Japanese blade and mountings have grown to be one of the most highly desired military antiques.