Looking for information on this Wakizashi / Tantō.

[Bade]

Hi all

 

First of all thanks to the administrators for setting up this forum and letting me join.

 

My main interests are in the early 20th C and WWII era, specifically relating to Japanese Military swords (I understand there's a dedicated forum for this), but I've also picked-up an earlier sword that I'm looking to find out a bit more about. It's blade tip to tang is 29cm which makes it slightly short for a Wakizashi, but I'm not sure if it's a Tantō - any opinions appreciated.

 

A few pictures are included, it's quite ornate and has a Kogatana and Kōgai in the Saya. The Tang is also signed 氷心子秀世, which I've been advised is Hyoshinshi Hideyo. Could anyone shed any further light.

 

Many thanks

[ROKUJURO]

Hi G.,

welcome to the NMB!

Please give us a first name so we may address you politely.

You seem to have a nice HAMIDASHI TANTO there. My guess is late EDO for the ornate KOSHIRAE, but to assess the blade I would need close-up photos of the blade - NAKAGO photos always tip-upwards!

P.S.

TANTO have a max. length of 303 mm, measured from the notch on the MUNE (where the HABAKI sits) and the tip. WAKIZASHI are classified with a length between 303 and 606 mm. 

[Mark S.]

With the help of Markus Sesko’s Swordsmiths of Japan A-Z… 
 

Blade is signed:

“Hyōshinshi Hideyo” 氷心子秀世

Kaei Era 1848-1854

Musashi Province

 

[Bade]

Hi Jean

 

Thanks for your quick reply, I'm Gary by the way.

 

A Tanto it is then, and thanks for the tip upwards pointer - I'm guessing that this is down to tradition?

 

Regards

Gary

[ROKUJURO]

Hi Gary,

no, it has nothing to do with tradition. It is more comfortable for our experts who can read Japanese script. It is written from top to bottom, so not horizontally (photo is not as proposed).

The SUGATA (shape) of your TANTO might be interpreted as a variant of UNOKUBI ZUKURI. The condition of the blade is not very good, but please don't try any DIY 'improvement'. That would only be a task for a traditionally trained polisher.

[Bade]

Thanks Jean and Mark