Description:

JAPANESE WAKIZASHI
Finely-forged Japanese wakizashi blade, measuring 20 3/4" from "kissaki"(tip) to the habaki stop, and 26 1/2" long overall. The blade is "O-suriage", meaning that it started life as a katana blade, and was cut down at the tang to its current length. The end of the tang shows a small filled in hole for the "mekugi" (the peg retaining the grip), and a new mekugi hole has been added. The tang is inscribed with a "mei" of five vertically-placed kanji, untranslated by us, and shows a fine layer of brown oxidation, with faint horizontal file marks also visible. The blade shows fine grain under magnification, with a distinct "hamon" delineating the cutting edge. The sword is mounted with a custom-fitted wood grip covered with white ray skin, wrapped with black fabric laces and with two brass dragon-shaped "menuki" inserted beneath the wrappings. This dragon motif is repeated on the "fuchi" adjacent to the guard, and at the "kashira" at the pommel. The "tsuba"(guard) is forged from iron or steel, and bears a faint mountain scene with flowers and winds. Two brass spacers are placed in either side of the "tsuba", and a brass "habaki" (collar) is fitted. The blade is housed in a scabbard of black lacquered wood wrapped with two brass bands, with a small pocket for a "kogatana" utility knife, not present here. The blade shows spots of oxidation throughout, with some slight pitting, and with several nicks and chips to the edge starting about 8 1/2" from the tip. The grip shows some general wear, while the scabbard shows splitting at the throat and along its length. Still a fine example.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via USPS Priority, USPS International Priority, DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

December 19, 2017 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 27.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000