Tanto: What do we have here?

[Rich]

Can't tell a whole lot about the blade due to lack of pics of it. I suspect
Late Shinshinto. The horimono (blade carving) is poorly done, so I suspect
a later addition perhaps to cover a flaw in the blade (commonly done). The
koshirae are most likely post war pieced together (nothing matches) done
for sale to the West. Keep in mind this is all speculation based on pictures
and I could be very wrong. Still could be an interesting coffee table tanto -
nothing wrong with that, I have a couple of them :-) However, I would
strongly recommend it be seen in person by someone knowledgeable in
Nihonto before you or friend think of having it professionally polished. The
polish could cost more than the tanto is worth.

Rich S

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by Rich

Can't tell a whole lot about the blade due to lack of pics of it. I suspect
Late Shinshinto. The horimono (blade carving) is poorly done, so I suspect
a later addition perhaps to cover a flaw in the blade (commonly done). The
koshirae are most likely post war pieced together (nothing matches) done
for sale to the West. Keep in mind this is all speculation based on pictures
and I could be very wrong. Still could be an interesting coffee table tanto -
nothing wrong with that, I have a couple of them :-) However, I would
strongly recommend it be seen in person by someone knowledgeable in
Nihonto before you or friend think of having it professionally polished. The
polish could cost more than the tanto is worth.

Rich S

Many thanks, Rich! I wondered about the maple-leaf/birds/water/fish/dragon koshirae "theme."

Is it common (or significant) for the tang to be devoid of marks?

[Rich]

Yes, quite common for blades (of all eras) to be unsigned. About half of my
collection is composed of mumei (unsigned) blades. It may (?) by possible
if the blade was in better condition to make a guess as to the school or
even the smith. But again that requires someone much more knowledgeable
than I; in hand inspection and the blade in good polish.

There were a variety of reasons why blades were unsigned. For some smiths
it was considered improper to sign them; for others they didn't sign because
they felt it wasn't their better work; many blades have been shortened over
the years and the signatures cut off.

Rich S

[stekemest]

I agree that the quality of the horimono is quite low. Maybe you could show a few more pics of the blade and the tang.
Peter

[Andrew]

More pics: