AS25651 Tanto: Gassan Sadakazu(NBTHK Hozon Token) with pipe-case Koshirae

Tanto in Shirasaya with Koshirae (NBTHK Hozon Token)

Signature: Gassan Sadakazu Saku (stamped)　月山貞一作
Meiji(illegible) 5nen Haru (spring 1872) 明治五年春

(We divide 4 sections for each sword as Saijyo Saku, Jyojyo Saku, Jyo Saku and Regular Saku).
This work is ranked as Jyo Saku for Gassan Sadakazu.

Habaki: Single silver habaki
Blade Length: 16.8 cm (6.61 in)
Curvature: Uchizori
Mekugi Hole: 3
Width at Base (Motohaba): 1.96 cm (0.77 in)
Thickness of rim (Kasane): 0.56 cm (0.22 in)
Sword Weight: 80 g

Era: Meiji 5 (1872).

Shape: A small-sized tanto with carving of Kusa-no-kurikara (stylized dragon),gomacashi and Tsume.
Jigane: packed ko-itame hada.
Hamon: Nie base suguha with Sunagashi and kuichigai-ba.

Features: It is natural to read the date on the signature as Meiji 5 (1872). In Meiji 9 (1876), the Haitōrei (Sword Abolishment Edict) was officially issued, prohibiting the wearing of swords.
For this reason, it is thought that this mounting was made to resemble a kiseru (tobacco pipe) case, allowing the blade to be carried discreetly.
It is not certain whether the koshirae dates from the same period, but if it does, it suggests that for former samurai of the time, living without carrying a sword was something they strongly resisted.

Koshirae: Mounting designed to resemble a kiseru pipe case, with a tobacco pouch attached.

NBTHK Hozon Token
Aoi-Art estimation Paper
whole Oshigata

Please note: the price does not include the shipping fees.