Police issue tanto

[Lee Bray]

This blade appeared on another forum and has made me curious.

It's a police issue tanto from around the Meiji period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm curious as to whether it is genuine or not.

I have a very similar piece but the detail on mine is superior, as shown in the police insignia.

Note the shading lines and dimpled back ground.

 

I wondered whether the first example was just well worn but there are no shading lines to the insignia. They are recessed so could not have worn off the first example.

One would assume a fake but the cost of these blades is relatively small - US$2-300 - so unlikely.

 

Anyone know if there were different models or know anything about these blades?

[Stephen]

seen higher quality as well, i dont think this is a copy.

[estcrh]

Here is one that I have. It looks like the one you are asking about.

[Lee Bray]

Thanks, Stephen.

 

Thanks, Eric, they do look the same.

It certainly appears that were different models of the police issue tanto then.

I'll add a couple more pics of mine later to make the differences more apparent.

[cabowen]

different ranks of police....

[Lee Bray]

Probably, Chris.

 

Here are a couple of pics of the handle of my piece for the record.

 

Differences I note:

Nanako pattern.

Shading lines in Police insignia.

Lacquered hessian(?) handle as opposed to samegawa.

Steel scabbard retention catch.