I recently acquired a tanto in shirasaya mount from an AllBids auction, listed as "Japanese Tanto, Attributed to the Muromachi Period (1336–1573)." I'm hoping someone with more experience can help me read the mei on the nakago — it's quite worn and I'm struggling to make out the characters clearly.
The overall length of the tanto is 41 centimeters. The blade, measure from the wood of the handle, is 29 centimeters long. 27 centimeters if measured from the edge of the tsuba.
the back of the blade is 8mm thick near the tsuba and tapers towards the point where it measures 6mm. The blade appears straight with no curvature and looks to me like a general kitchen knife shape wise.
I've attached photos of the full nakago (both sides), a close-up of the mei area, and the blade overall. Any insight into the signature, school, or even just the general era/quality would be much appreciated. I'm new to nihonto collecting, so I apologize in advance if I'm missing details that would normally be included — happy to provide more photos or measurements if helpful.
Thank you in advance for your time and expertise.
Casey.
