Help Identify Tanto Blade

[dpitty]

I inherited this from a family member who traveled Asia in the 1950s and 60s extensively for academic work. Was interested in understanding more details on the dagger. Appears to be real ray skin handle. Blade is about 16" length. No pins in the handle are apparant. There is an insect motif on the scabbard and handle.

 

I was hoping someone with some knowledge could advise on how I can learn more. Is it an older replica, ww2 military, or something older? Thanks in advance. 

 

Dan

[ROKUJURO]

Hi Daniel,

welcome to the NMB forum!

With a length of more than 303 mm, it is not a TANTO but a WAKIZASHI in AIKUCHI KOSHIRAE (= mountings). As the blade is very dusty, the question arises if it was not stored properly in the SAYA (= scabbard) for a long while ? 

The fact that there is no MEKUGI (= bamboo pin) to secure the blade in the TSUKA (= handle) is strange and might not be a good sign, either in hindsight to security or authenticity.

It is not a dagger (= two cutting edges) but a short combat sword. It's not a military item but a civilian one.

Better detail photos of the KISSAKI (= tip) on a dark background, made in a dark room with spotlights, presented as cut-outs, may reveal if there is a YOKOTE, a HAMON, or HADA (= forging grain).

It is possible that even better photos will not reveal all necessaty details. In this case it would be a good idea to show the blade to someone with expert knowledge. Perhaps you have an NMB member living within reach, or you go ask at one of the two Californian Japanese sword clubs who will be happy to help unveiling the enigma.