An antique Japanese wakizashi, late 19th/early 20th Century
The item is a short steel sword with a wood desert camo sheath. It is very old probably well over 100 years but I am really not sure. Rust on the blade. It has been handed down through the generations. Supposedly used by a relative of mine in the Spanish American war.
20" long and 1" wide
Inherited
Yes
Hi Michael,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This is a Japanese wakizashi, with a partially exposed tang and possibly missing the tsuka (hilt), which is common in unrestored or antique examples. It is accompanied by a lacquered wooden scabbard or saya, which has a mottled or "urushi"-style pattern traditional in Japanese sword-making, especially for tanto or short swords carried in civilian dress or by samurai.
The condition of the blade is comparatively poor and - because of that - this has a fair-market value of $300-500.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Japanese wakizashi
late 19th/early 20th Century
Both handle and scabbard in mottled camouflage pattern lacquer.
20 inches long
CONDITION: Lacking crossguard or tang, with rusting to the blade.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
