Miniature Tachi

[Alex_]

Hi gents,

 

I came across this miniature Tachi that is only 29 centimeters long. Is this Japanese Boy's Day Tachi? 

If not what is it? Any information is highly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance.

Alex

 

[John A Stuart]

Yes, I believe so. I think it is of pretty good quality. John

[dwmc]

The inscription ( I think ) is Sadamune. I first came across miniature Tachi at a sword auction many years ago, and now regret not purchasing one of several up for auction. I didn't bid due to the fact I was unsure of exactly what they were. I was however, impressed by the excellent quality and craftsmanship of these small swords.

 

I vote Boy's Day Tachi also...

 

Looking forward to further opinions.

[Bazza]

It is a bit big, but it could also be a high-end Doll's sword - for a miniature suit of armour.  I once saw a high quality sword of similar size, perhaps a little shorter.  Very nice piece Alex.

 

BaZZa.

[Michaelr]

Don’t know what it is but I love it. What a great find

[Alex_]

Thank you gentlemen!!!  It was love at the first sight.

Any ideas what era is it?

Here are couple of additional pictures.

 

[Brian]

Most of these Shinshinto aren't they?
Reminds me of my own Sadakakatsu that I really hope/wish was shoshin.

[Carlo Giuseppe Tacchini]

It is a bit big, but it could also be a high-end Doll's sword - for a miniature suit of armour.  I once saw a high quality sword of similar size, perhaps a little shorter.  Very nice piece Alex.

 

BaZZa.

 

Bunraku maybe ?

[DanielGJ]

Hello everyone, does anyone know if these blades are made with tamahagane? thanks and best regards. Daniel

[dwmc]

Alex,

 

I think it is possible these are relatively "rare" very good quality miniature Tachi to match Boy's Day Armor. Possibly Shinshinto or Meiji period.

 

 

http://www.jcollector.com/Japanese-Boys-Day-Yoroi-Samurai-Armor-p/jn9j428.htm

[Jussi Ekholm]

I think one dealer had a tachi koshirae like this at Samurai Art Expo. Unfortunately it didn't intrest me so I didn't look it, don't know who had it and don't know if it had a blade in. I just remember seeing a tiny tachi koshirae on Friday in one of the booths.

[dwmc]

I think one dealer had a tachi koshirae like this at Samurai Art Expo. Unfortunately it didn't intrest me so I didn't look it, don't know who had it and don't know if it had a blade in. I just remember seeing a tiny tachi koshirae on Friday in one of the booths.

 

As I mentioned previously, I saw miniature tachi at a Japanese sword auction. There were probably 75 swords or more from Showa to Koto, Yari, etc.. up for auction. During the pre-auction inspection, I noticed 4 or 5 small swords in koshire, in the past I've seen cheap miniature tourist trade tachi, letter openers, and so on. However, these were quite different, they weren't the cheap quality as I had seen before. They were quite well made.

 

Although, as with yourself Jussi, I basically brushed them aside, and eventually purchased a Shinto Sukekuni, a 2nd Gen. Shinto Tadayuki with Shiso-tetsu inscription, and a very nice Shobu Wakizashi. Bigger fish....

 

Having said this, even though it has now been quite some time, I could never quite get over the curiosity of these small well made Tachi.

 

Hopefully, someone with definitive information regarding these small Tachi will share their knowledge.

[Baka Gaijin]

Hi Alex.,

 

There was a manufacturer called Maruhei in Osaka who produced high end miniature Katchu and Sonohoka for the Tango No Sekko.

 

They were based in Osaka, but the factory was destroyed in the late WW2 period.

 

I briefly had an armour and accessories from that maker, early Taisho, and it was superb, just like the real thing. 

 

This link may help as a start in the history of such matters:

 

http://www.kyoto-shimazu.com/en/History_of_Yusoku_Gogatsu_Ningyo_Dolls.html

 

Also check out Maruhei Okiheizo IV, who was a genius at facial expressions in Gogatsu Ningyo dolls.

[Alex_]

Thank you gentlemen, appreciate all your help!

I will keep researching.

 

Alex

[Ron STL]

These miniatures can be very nice work. I believe Bob McCoy who handles the newsletter for the Norther California group collects or used to collect these. I'm pretty sure he wrote an article about them for their newsletter maybe eight or so years ago. Might be worthwhile to contact Bob about this topic for some answers. He might even be on NMB, I'm not sure. Ron STL

[Brian]

If you do get hold of him, remind him that he registered under mccoy many, many years ago but hasn't checked back. Would love to read the article myself since I own one.

[Jon MB]

Very interesting topic

[Ron STL]

I've emailed Bob McCoy and suggest he check in on this topic.  Ron STL

[Alex_]

Thank you Ron!