Japan Officer Wakizashi

[Dolf]

Hello, I would like some information about a Japanese sword. The blade is 22" long and I think it is in good condition.

I bought it many years ago at a flea market.
It is said to have belonged to a high-ranking officer
I hope you can help me and see everything clearly in the pictures.
Thank you in advance
Christian
 

[Ray Singer]

因幡國住藤原兼先 - Inaba (no) kuni ju Fujiwara Kanesaki

[Geraint]

Dear Christian.

 

A nice find!  Just to follow up on Ray's translation.  This is an earlier blade that has been mounted for use by a Naval officer in WWII.  The fittings are nice and include, I think, a fishskin lacquered scabbard with an unusual extended drag as we call it in English.  In other words the fitting at the end of the scabbard has a sort of fin to take some of the wear, not a standard feature.

 

You can do your own research on the Inshu Kanesaki school, (Inshu is the abbreviated form of Inaba),  but just for a start they worked throughout the Shinto and Shinshinto periods, from about 1600 to about 1860.  It is not possible to tell what rank the officer who carried the sword held and without some sort of documentation that part of the story will have to remain unproven but this is a very nice sword, please take care of it.  Some guidance under FAQ at the top of the page.

 

Welcome to NMB and all the best.

[Volker62]

very nice find Christian

 

congrat's

[Dolf]

 

 

I think I chose the wrong category for my tread - this category is correct for non-historical swords?

Danke 

 

Danke 

[Bruce Pennington]

1 hour ago, Dolf said:

wrong categor

Your sword fits both Military - Navy - and civil - Nihonto.  So depends upong which you wish to discuss.  You will find some good nihonto guys on the Military forum as well, though.

[PNSSHOGUN]

The company that made the mounts is called Wakase, they won awards for the high quality of their Koshirae.

[sbf]

A beautiful sword in outstanding condition. Thanks for posting it.

  Steve

[PNSSHOGUN]

If you check under the Fuchi, you can sometimes find Kanji relating to the wrap style, or officers surname.