Please help identify a Tanto

[Tatyana]

I have bought a Tanto without any papers. The Nakago is signed on the both sides. The Koshirae looks to be original to the blade and has a family Mon on the Saya.

Any additional information will be greatly appreciated.

[uwe]

Hello Tatyana,

 

the mei seems to be “月山雲龍子貞一作” (Gassan unryūshi Sadakazu saku).

I’ll be back in some minutes….

[uwe]

….ok, let’s continue.

The date is “文久二戌年八月日” (August 1862, year of the dog).

So you may have an nicely Aikuchi mounted Tanto from the renowned Gassan school. Now I leave it to the sword connoisseurs here to judge wether the signature is legit or not. 
 

Forgot to mention….the mon is called “Hanabishi”. Unfortunately almost impossible to pin down a certain family without additional info (or it’s simply meant as an adornment?!).

[Brian]

The way the mei is carved....

[DoTanuki yokai]

I dont think this is a legit signature. The placement of the signature the finish of the nakago and the signature itself dont match with what i have seen but im no expert.

From the blade i would not say it cant be made by sadakazu after he was known for his ability to make blades in every style but with this signature it is very unlikely.

 

http://www.nihontocraft.com/Gasan_Sadakazu_Tanto.htm

 

only 4 years later then your example

http://www.sanmei.com/Pictures/Sword/T302101_T8620_PUP1.jpg

 

In my Opinion your Tanto seems to be older.

[Brian]

Agree. the signature seems horrible to me. Like it was an amateur doing it.
But the hada isn't bad, and almost has a ayasugi-esqe feel to it. Bit confusing.

[Rivkin]

The way the signature is done is weird, but the work appears to be at least a decent late Soshu adaptation.

[Surfson]

It's a nice blade in aikuchi mounts,Tatyana, and worthy to be enjoyed.  The hada, or grain of the steel, is attractive, the tanto is in a good state of polish and has some Gassan features.  If this is your first sword, it is an excellent study piece.   Hopefully it didn't cost you too much and when your studies are completed with the tanto, you can get your investment out and find the next piece to enjoy.  Welcome to NMB! 

[Tatyana]

Thank you all for the information, which is greately appreciated!