Sword identification, please help!

[TannerBox]

Hello! This has been in my family quite some time and we have collected many antiques from cultures around the world, items dating back into the 15th century.

 

I am no expert in identifying items, and assumed this piece was some other weapon but I was informed it is a Japanese sword, possibly from 17-1800s. I was asked to check for kanji and come to you guys, thing is I don’t see any kanji or the blades worn down enough where it’s not visible. Any insight on this item would be greatly appreciated!

[Geraint]

Dear Tanner.

 

Welcome to NMB!  What you have is indeed a Japanese tanto, albeit in a Malaysian kris scabbard.  The tang seems to have been shortened and the blade shows some wear from previous polishes so 1700s to 1800s is as good a guess as any.

 

It is in rather sad condition but please do nothing more than wipe the blade with a soft cloth and some light machine oil.

 

Others will be along to add to this in a while.

 

All the best.

[TannerBox]

Thank you! Anything I can do to help identify this? I am able to provide more pictures but thank you for the insight so far! 

[Brian]

You won't get much more info on it without a very expensive restoration and papers, which I wouldn't advise on a cost to benefit ratio. As mentioned by @Geraint it's a damaged Japanese tanto, in a Keris scabbard that doesn't belong to it. Tang is damaged/shortened badly, fittings are average. Genuine item though, 2-300 years old most likely. Worth a few hundred $'s.
 

[Franco D]

Dry scaly rust the kind that I think I see here is a sign that suggests this piece may have heat damage. 'If' that is indeed the case, it renders this piece to being not much more than a souvenir. 

 

Regards,

[DoTanuki yokai]

Can you give us some measurements ? How thick it is where the blade starts and how long the blade part is would be very useful information. 
I think it could be older  then Edo period but the Nakago (tang) looks shortned. 

[TannerBox]

58 minutes ago, DoTanuki yokai said:

Can you give us some measurements ? How thick it is where the blade starts and how long the blade part is would be very useful information. 
I think it could be older  then Edo period but the Nakago (tang) looks shortned. 

thanks for everyone for your input! Very helpful. 
 

So I measured it the length of the blade is about 10 1/2 inches the thickness is 1/2 cm or a bit thicker. I believe there is kanji at the base of the blade but it’s hard to see with the black streaks it’s hard to make out. 

I won’t be able to get any oil as I can’t get to store to wipe the blade. 
 

now if you guys can help me on this antique I’d appreciate it, if it’s against the rules I’ll delete the post sorry, but here I have another Asian antique and the blade on this has the same kinda aged look at the tanto so I’m curious what you guys think. 
 

I think it’s a Chinese dining set or “weapon” as my grandfather put but I don’t know for sure. And I believe on the blade and smaller blade for this there is writing but I can’t see at all. On the handle a small button appears to be ivory or bone, I have ivory figures so I wouldn’t put it past it being ivory. Thank you all so much hope everyone’s having a great weekend. 

[TannerBox]

[TannerBox]

[TannerBox]

[TannerBox]

Sorry for the split up posts I had a difficult time formatting the photos for the size. The green blade is 12 inches from top to bottom! 

[ROKUJURO]

The second blade set looks Chinese or Tibetan to me.

[Geraint]

For the second look up 'Chinese trousse' .

 

All the best.

[Bugyotsuji]

Or Mongolian.

[TannerBox]

You guys are awesome. Mystery solved! I have many more items, but most aren’t weapons, do you all have any recommendations for identifying (South American Pottery (1500-1800s) and (Asian, Japanese or Chinese ivory figures)? 
Once I clean the blade I will post and if it has kanji I’ll appreciate everyone’s help once again. Wonderful forum!

[ROKUJURO]

Tanner,

how do you intend to "clean" the blade? You don't know what you have there, so please show it to an expert before any action! There is probably a NMB member near you.  Ask for competent help, we are all friendly and don't bite!

[Matsunoki]

6 hours ago, TannerBox said:

Asian, Japanese or Chinese ivory figures)? 

Several of us on here can probably help. Images?

[TannerBox]

I would use the cloth and oil as suggested earlier but nothing else, I wouldn’t mind having the blade cleaned up but I don’t plan on doing anything right away I will take great care with it! 

 

 

Okay I’ll post a figure I have alongside a pipe that I don’t know is Chinese or Japanese. 
 

 

[Matsunoki]

Your elephant ivory okimono (of a foot soldier samurai) is Japanese, Meiji period, of very modest quality and intended for sale to foreigners  either via export or to those in Japan at the time. Probably around 1890ish. They were made in the thousands by hundreds of different artisans of greatly varying abilities.

[TannerBox]

Thanks Matsunoki! That’s helps me identify the era for these! I have others but now I know the age and location of origin! You guys have been great.