Hi,

I got this with a big collection. The ivory work is AWESOME. Can anyone tell me about it?

I seem to recall the diagonal slashes on the brass plate on the blade means something??

thanks Chris

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Chris, I am anxious to hear the answer to your question. I have a Tanto with same scratches on silver. Love that detailed ivory hilt. Thanks for showing. James

YOUR TANTO IS LIKELY THE TIP OF AN OLDER BLADE THAT WAS EITHER BROKEN OR IN A FIRE. THIS IS A TOURIST PIECE FROM THE MEIJI PERIOD(LATE 19TH CENTURY). THEY COME IN VARIOUS QUALITY. THE MAJORITY ARE MADE FROM CARVED BONE WITH JUNK BLADES. THE CARVING ON YOUR MOUNTING IS OF BETTER QUALITY AND CERTAINLY THE VALUE IS THERE AND NOT IN THE BLADE. THE FALLING RAIN PATTERN ON THE HABAKI OR BLADE COLLAR IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMONLY ENCOUNTERED FORMS. THIS FORM OF MOUNTING WOULD NEVER HQAVE BEEN CARRIED DURING THE FEUDAL PERIOD BY SAMURAI. THIS IS STRICTLY FOR EXPORT AS A CURIO.

From what I have heard the "Scratches" are used to help hold the blade in the scabbard.Kind of like a gripping texture.Best wishes Geoff.

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff Ward:
From what I have heard the "Scratches" are used to help hold the blade in the scabbard.Kind of like a gripping texture.Best wishes Geoff.

THIS IS NOT CORRECT. THE BLADE IS RETAINED IN THE SAYA OR SHIRASAYA BY IT'S MANUFACTURE WITH CLOSE DETAIL TO A TIGHT, TAPERED FIT TO THE HABAKI. I HAVE SEEN A GRAPH ILLUSRATING OVER 1OO PATTERNS OF HABAKI. AS I PREVIOUSLY MENTIONED, THE FALLING RAIN PATTERN IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON ENCOUNTERED AND LEAST EXPENSIVE TO PRODUCE IN COMPARISON TO A SMOOTH FINISH HABAKI.

Thanks for all the good info.

The blade doesnt look that great.. Id love to look at the tang..How do you get it out?

What kind of ballpark are these worth?

thanks chris

quote:

Originally posted by disbo100:
Thanks for all the good info.

The blade doesnt look that great.. Id love to look at the tang..How do you get it out?

What kind of ballpark are these worth?

thanks chris

CHRIS-
THE BLADE IS LIKELY GLUED IN PLACE. YOU WILL GAIN NOTHING BY TAKING IT APART AS THERE WILL BE NO SIGNATURE ON THIS PART OF A SWORD. YOU WILL CRACK THE IVORY. AS PREVIOUSLY STATED, THE BLADE IS OF LITTLE TO NO VALUE. THE VALUE IS IN THE CARVING TO THE ANTIQUE MARKET, NOT THE MILITARY MARKET. LEAVE IT AS IS.
BOB

OK... Ill leave it alone..

Any clue on the antique market?
chris

SORRY, I HAVE NO IDEA.

I debating about putting it up for sale or auction starting at 300.00

Any thoughts?

Is there a scabbard?
Bill Rannow
Mpls, MN

Sorry no scabbard..