A Good Antique Japanese Wakizashi Sword
#074
PLEASE NOTE: I know a bit more than most but I am NOT an expert regarding Japanese blades. The study of the subject is very sophisticated and the collector community will always have their own opinions regarding age, maker, form, and authenticity. Blades that are signed are fantastic BUT signatures were copied during the period and all must be scrutinized and authenticated. I find that judging the overall sword is first and second is the assessment of the signature or other markings. The higher quality blades (generally) will be maker signed and dated by the blacksmith who made them but not all.
A Good Antique Japanese Wakizashi sword, circa. most likely 17th - early 18th century, early EDO Period (1603-1867), (just my opinion). 20.75" blade (with the tang), 15 1/8" (cutting edge forward of the "Habaki"). The tang of the blade has a single hole "Mekugi-Ana". The temper line "Hamon" is very discernable and the blade overall is in very fine polish with minimal scratches and dings from use. Early iron open worked guard "Tsuba". Period pommel-cap "Kashira", collar "Fuchi" with decorative gold and copper overlay, and grip no accent "Menuki". It is difficult to know exactly how old the wood handle "Ho" is but appears original to the period. Period black lacquered & crushed abalone shell (mixed in) wood scabbard "Saya" is most likely the original. The Wakizashi has a side knife "Kozuka" with signed blade (remnants visible and may be much older). The Kozuka's grip is of iron with mixed brass, copper, and silver inlay decoration. A very nice Wakizashi !
HADA (visible metal grain) - very fine+ with no areas of concern to point out.
HAMON (visible temper line on the cutting edge) - straight and excellent.
POLISH - very fine+.
PERIOD "Nengo" - circa. most likely early EDO Period (1603-1867), (just my opinion).
TANG MARKINGS - none.
NOTE: We recently added a Dachshund puppy to the family and when I wasn't looking, he was "teething" the end of the saya !
TTI-575122
