Michael_Forsyth

Hi All Sincere thanks indeed George for providing the information re: the Tanto. I'm absolutely fascinated by it all, although still amazed by the amount of information. I can't find much other info about Tomotsuru 1808 - I guess there are just so many makers, and his career might have been limited - but am so glad to learn of the blade's age and maker, and I'll keep looking! George; - my grandfather was stationed at Fort Denison ('Pinchgut') in Sydney harbour during WW1, and I believe it was a Japanese training flotilla that visited in 1914 and gave him the Tanto. The old man actually wrote a book ('Garrison Gunners by 'Fronzac') about his time there, and I have some great photos of the garrison. Obviously there was no real 'action' in Australia during WW1 but he sounds very busy nevertheless, with many visits from allied navies French, British etc. - but no specific mention of the Japanese The Germans/Austrians stayed out to sea! Thanks again for your most welcome feedback - I have attached another pic of the blade trying to get a shot of the Hamon and blade shape etc. but my cheap camera isn't really up to it. The blade itself is razor sharp on both edge and tip - quite intimidating really! I will try to uncover more details about the Tanto and Tomotsuru etc, and your leads will be most helpful indeed! Many thanks again Michael F

Hi All I'm new here, and a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information - It will take me quite a while to get up to speed! I have a couple of swords including a Tanto (I think) inherited from my grandfather who was given them in WW1. The Tanto was a diplomatic gift from a Japanese officer in 1914 (when the Japanese were our allies), and a silver badge was applies then with his name (Capt. W.S. Forsyth). I have owned the Tanto for many years but have failed to penetrate its origin - or even exactly what kind of Tanto it is (it has been suggested it is a women's blade?)... It is 11 inches long, the blade being 7 1/2", with a cherrywood scabbard (I think?...) and a rayskin handle covering. (As I said, I am new to this and am not sure of proper terms). The Hamon is clear, but hard to capture in the pics. Anyhow, I am fascinated by this blade, and would love to now the date and maker if someone could shed some light. My early research seems to indicate that the 16 petal chrysanthemum is a seal of the Imperial Emperor late 19th century?, buit I am entirely unsure. Many thanks for any advice you can offer Michael Forsyth (Australia)