This tanto appears to be koto and may be around 450-550 years old (Warring States Era). Though this blade has some battle damage and is somewhat worn (“tired”) due to many polishes over the centuries, it can still be enjoyed as an interesting and very old sword. The tang is signed Kane_ (兼_) in an old style, possibly Kanenari (兼得 ~1504-1592) but further research needs to be done. Unpapered as it probably came out of Japan before 1950.
Tasteful old style kowakizashi mountings appear to be Edo period (~1600-1800) or older, copper habaki and seppa, brass dragonfly inlaid and carved iron mokko-gata tsuba, iron fuchi, brass menuki, and brown lacquered horn kashira. The samegawa has quite large nodes with a colour only time can produce, and the ito wrapping the handle is a very unique and beautiful style with black silk thread wrapping a core of light brown silk, mekugi mounts from the ura (back) side. The tsuka and tsuba could each be stand-alone collector pieces. The saya is also quite rare being fully wrapped in real shark skin rawhide, due to its value it has been repaired several times over the centuries and has some surface damage at the tip and around the kurikata, fittings are horn. Not completely battle-ready but the parts are relatively tight and firm for an antique mounting, certainly ready to enjoy and makes a lovely display piece.
Specifications
長さ/刃長 Nagasa: 283mm
元幅 Motohaba: 28mm
元重/重ね Motokasane: 6mm
先重ね Sakikasane: 4mm
反り Sori: 4mm
中心/茎 Nakago: 96mm (~kasane 6.5mm)
柄長 Tsuka: 142mm
拵全長 Koshirae: 560mm
Tsuba 58mm x 47mm x 3mm
Kozuka slot 88mm x 15mm
Kogatana/kozuka none
形 Katachi: hira-zukuri, iori-mune
刃文 Hamon: hoso suguha
帽子/鋩子 Boshi: slightly tsukiage
中心/茎 Nakago: ubu, kuri-jiri, three mekugi-ana 6mm/5.5mm/6mm
銘 Mei: Kane_ (兼_), possibly Kanenari, with two character signature
拵 Koshirae: Edo period kowakizashi
