C1860’s Edo Into Meiji Period Japanese Aikuchi (Dagger Without Tsuba) Scabbard With C1840’s Ko-Gatana Side Knife Carry Bag Cover & Expert Assessment. Sn 23417 Dagger

C1860’s Edo Into Meiji Period Japanese Aikuchi (Dagger Without Tsuba) Scabbard With C1840’s Ko-Gatana Side Knife Carry Bag Cover & Expert Assessment. Sn 23417 - 23417

This Aikuchi has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes and illustrations accompany the knife . In his notes he states “Blade mounted as an aikuchi (dagger) looks to have been shortened from a longer sword. Difficult to judge age, possibly Edo into Meiji period. Tang end cut square & filed & altered in shape from what’s left. Possible soshu style blade. Out of polish but bright, lots of scratches & old blackish rust one side. Tempering obscured, only vague hamon shape appearing, no grain to be seen. Needs a proper polish. Mounted in 19th century fittings (possible export). Wood saya with dark brown/red speckled lacquer finish. Small bits of damage. Kojiri & koiguchi in patinated copper, matching the copper sleeves, and fitted copper kurikata has no gatana slot. Tsuka is blackened fish skin, polished and wrapped around wood core. Has mounts matching saya mounts. Fuchi / kashira in copper. Finished with copper mekui peg with male & female sections with engraved flower emblems. Some fish skin missing and wear & tear to pins & mounts. An interesting export aikuchi with an older blade. P.S. A ko-gatana (side knife) has been fitted to this aikuchi. This is an export piece circa 1840s with brass hilt and blade has Japanese company logo / emblem”. In his illustrations of the blade he observes ‘cutting edge just under 28.5cms (length) and describes other blade & tang characteristics which can be seen in the images. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23417 (tanto box armoury floor)

£725.00