Unusual mounted Tanto

[gtstcactus]

http://cgi.ebay.com/OLD-Japanese-ANTQUE ... _500wt_922

 

Were tanto mounted this way in Japan? or is this more likely a chinese special?

[Brian]

Late Meiji period export type piece. Mediocre quality, likely glued into the handle. Don't expect any decent blade in there, although they do need to be checked if possible. I don't see a habaki, but I do see a mekugi.

 

Brian

[Surfson]

The Pawlonia on the saya are one good clue that it is Japanese, for future reference. I have not seen this design on Chinese or other nationality pieces (though I'm happy to hear about exceptions).

[leo]

Dear Jason,

several years ago I owned this kwaiken which is the same style of mounting.

It contained a 14cm koto style unsigned blade but t as far as I can remember, the nakago looked Shinto to me. I kept no picture of it. The metal parts looked stamped, like late shiriimono kozuka, but still it fetched a good price. Apparently there are collectors around for unusual export swords if they look nice.

 

Regards,

Martin

[gtstcactus]

Thanks for those pictures, it looks like a really nice piece. Much nicer than the ebay auction piece. Your piece I think must have been pretty good quality.