Opinion about Tanto (authentic, fake, or mix of it ?)

[RodeoRode]

Dear all, 

 

I found this Tanto and I´m wondering if it´s a real Japanese Tanto from Edo period or some kind of Chinese copy or after WWII tourist work. It comes from a German seller with good reputation who dealt with Japanese historic swords since around 20 years - also in higher price ranges.

Unfortunately he died this year and his son sells now the rest of the stock. An old invoice proofs that the Tanto was bought around 2012 from a Japanese ebay seller, from Japan. There are also signs of the German duty, that show that it has been imported. It once came probably with a certification, but the son can´t find it anymore. Only a photo exists (enclosed), but barely readable in bad resolution. The seller and ebay papers state that the Tanto (blade and Koshirae) are both original from Edo period. Ebay price in 2012 was around 650 USD.

Concerning the ebay seller´s description (enclosed) the signature is not prooven. He claims it says:  "Sukesada saku" and "Nigatsu-hi" ?

 

What do you think -  is this an authentic Edo Tanto and worth to collect and to keep or is it crap ?  I´m an absolute beginner on this topic (normally collector of WWI and II blade weapons) and would be very thankful for every assessment.

 

Kind regards from Germany

 

Rod

Edited Friday at 07:40 AM by RodeoRode

[Brian]

It's real. But it has been polished so many times in its life that it has lost a ton of metal. You would need to check very carefully if the temperline is still complete all along the edge and doesn't drop off anywhere, as that is a fatal flaw. 
Fittings are nothing special. This appears a very mediocre piece and has poor shaping. eBay price back then is around current value or maybe worth a little less

[RodeoRode]

Thanks Brian for you assessment. If it´s at least a real Japanese Tanto I would be happy already.

 

Can you or anybody else maybe say more about the age and maybe the smith´s signature ? Was this kind of mother-of-pearl mosaic design with larger mosaic parts something typical and what was the purpose of this kind of Tanto ? It doesn´t appear like a war-Tanto, but maybe for ceremonies, bride present (wedding) or just for some kind of represenation in public ?

I didn´t find pictures of other Japanese swords, Tantos etc. with such kind of design, not even close, only a Hibachi from 1870 (picture enclosed). So maybe the Tanto could be from that time period ?

Edited Friday at 10:51 AM by RodeoRode

[2devnul]

Hi,

 

Sukesada is a popular name, but looking at the pictures I would say it is late Koto (~1550) Tanto. Koshirae is IMO later addition, maybe even made after WWII. Doesn't look like Edo piece to me. 

Blade is 'running on fumes' with not much of collectors (again, my opinion) value. I wouldn't pay 650USD for it, you can find much better deals.