Antique 19th century Meiji Period Japanese Sword Wakizashi With Ken Blade Carved Horimono Dragon

An exceptional antique 19th century Meiji Period Rare Wakizashi sword with old Ken blade carved with Horimono . Possibly, an Imperial Japanese Army officer’s sword.

Since the fittings of the hilt and the scabbard are engraved with Cherry blossoms which appears on the various Japanese military swords during the early Meiji Period in 1873 including the swords and the dirks for Japanese imperial army and navy which many of them not listed as the pattern model and many of them were just made in short numbers as the prototype so is possible that this sword is unique example of the early Meiji Period imperial military sword with older blade .

A SWORD CONSISTING OF:
1. A beautiful massive, beautiful hand forged double-edged blade of diamond section finely carved on one side with a dragon Horimono. The other side of the blade is chiseled ,with a central grove flanked by two shorter, narrow groves filled with red lacquer. Probably, much older than the scabbard and hilt.
2. Shaped copper Habaki.
3. Copper alloy-shaped sword guard (Tsuba)
4. Two copper Seppa.
5. A heavily dark brown lacquered ribbed wooden handle (Tsuka) with a Mekugi fitted with copper rosette-shaped washer.
9. The matching set of copper Fuchi and Kashira in the form of Kabuto are hand engraved ensuite with Cherry blossoms
10. The dark brown lacquered wooden scabbard is finely painted with silver lacquered ornamentation.
11. The copper scabbard mountings are engraved with Cherry blossoms.

CONDITION: It shows its age and use. The blade surface with minor stain. The handle and scabbard lacquer finish are chipped and worn. The copper alloy fittings have an old patina.

The sword is in the condition as it was acquired, free of repairs or restorations.

Please view all the photos in the listing, as they are part of the item's condition description.

We were not able to remove the mekugi from the handle.

MEASUREMENTS (approximately):
The overall length of the sword sheathed in the scabbard is 66.4 cm (26.14 inches).
The sword's length out of the scabbard is 61 cm (24.02 inches).
Length of the blade from the tip to the Tsuba: 44.5 cm (17.52 inches).
Width of the blade below the Habaki: 3.5 cm (1.38 inches).

THE DISPLAY STAND IS NOT INCLUDED WITH THE SWORD

To see all 20 pictures of the sword please see the link below:

https://www.antiquesword101.com/Islamic-Oriental-Arms-and-Armor.php#!/Antique-19th-century-Meiji-Period-Japanese-Sword-Wakizashi-With-Ken-Blade-Carved-Horimono-Dragon/p/745222576