Em Harris Posted May 5 Report Posted May 5 Dear fellow enthusiasts, My partner and I recently came into possession of a Japanese blade that we believe may be a wakizashi or long tanto, and we would greatly appreciate any insight you might be able to provide regarding its origin, school, or smith. Measurements: Overall length: ~16 inches Blade length: 9 inches (10 inches from habaki to kissaki) Tang length: approx. 8.25 inches Signature (mei) is present on the tang Traditional style mounts with ray skin tsuka and decorative menuki I've attached photos of the tang, mei, and fittings for reference (including closeups of the carvings and tsuka) via Google Drive link. We’re based in Columbus, Ohio and looking to connect with a reputable appraiser or society that can help us better understand the piece and possibly get an appraisal. If anyone has recommendations for JSSUS members, shinsa events, or reliable dealers/experts in the Midwest, we’d be grateful. Thank you all for your time and any assistance you can offer. Warm regards, Em Harris https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fcdegMINz8q3n6cwqNWAfaOR8AMWZETq?usp=sharing Quote
ChrisW Posted May 5 Report Posted May 5 Hello Em! As per the nagasa of 9", this would be classified as a tanto without a doubt. It is also in aikuchi koshirae, which further cements the fact that this is a tanto. I am located nearby in central Indiana if you need an in-hand opinion and I would be happy to help. ~Chris Quote
Stephen Posted May 5 Report Posted May 5 Em you going to get more exposure in the general form this is a members only section so not everybody reads it I would ask at this link as we have members in Ohio so... https://www.militaria.co.za/nmb/forum/11-nmb-general-Japanese-discussion/ Quote
Rivkin Posted May 6 Report Posted May 6 The pictures are not great and its just a guess, but: it looks koto. It has masame and hamon is suguha with a bit of notare. Kasane is quite thick. Tosa Yoshimitsu, Muromachi is a possibility. Or something alike. Quote
SteveM Posted May 6 Report Posted May 6 I didn't see any signature on the tang. Maybe the remnants of a partial signature, but nothing that looks like a legible signature. The inscription on the little utility knife is 和泉守国貞 (Izumi-no-kami Kunisada). It means "Kunisada, Lord of Izumi Province (made this)". However in this case it is more of a decoration, or an homage, rather than an actual inscription by Kunisada himself. Kunisada is a famous swordsmith, and one often finds famous names like this inscribed on kogatana. Quote
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