A Japanese tanto short sword, Meiji era, the plain saya in dark green nashiji lacquer with kogai slot (kogai now missing), the 16-inch (41cm) blade unsigned, with bevelled mune and silvered copper habaki, the iron tsuba cast with birds in flight above grasses, inlaid with gilt, the fuchi cast and gilt with panels of flowers and foliage, the ray-skin tsuka bound in khaki with gilt bronze floral menuki, the kabuto-gane cast to match the fuchi.

Condition Report

Saya (scabbard): Poor condition, split into two halves. Kogai missing. Dents, marks and wear to lacquer.

Blade (toshin): some small/tiny bites to cutting edge. Some patches of significant corrosion near the habaki. Rubbing to habaki.

Tsuka (hilt): loose on tang with significant play in the tsuba. Surface rust to sepa and tsuba with rubbing to gilt inlay. Ray skin appears fair. Bindings showing some signs of age and use/a little hand grease. Menuki and kabuto-gane fair to good with some minor rubbing to the gilt.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.