Japan, Empire. A Tanto with Scabbard Republic of Instituted September 19 1849

Instituted September 19 1849

along with a small loop soldered just above the Queen’s crown

8 mm x 48 mm each

The document is signed in pencil by the battalion’s commander

Japan, Empire. A Tanto with Scabbard Republic of Instituted September 19 1849A small fighting tanto, with bronze tsuka (handle) featuring floral patterns and a dragon in relief, the tsuba in once painted zinc, a steel blade measuring 21 cm (inclusive of habaki), measures 30. 5cm in total length, sharp kissaki (point of blade) but relatively dull blade, The scabbard, in bronze gilt, features four high relief bands with floral and bird patterns (partridge and peacock), the hangers have broken off, measures 24 cm, exhibiting gilt