Japanese Tanto 短刀 w/ Kozuka Matched Iron Fittings, Late Edo Period Bakumatsu Era For Sale

MAJESTIC SAMURAI MASTERPIECE: AN OUTSTANDING LATE EDO PERIOD BAKUMATSU ERA AIKUCHI TANTO WITH MATCHED IRON FITTINGSDESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
This remarkably striking and authoritative Japanese Aikuchi Tanto stands as an exemplary testament to the refined tastes and volatile readiness of the Late Edo Period Samurai Aristocracy. Hand Forged from Traditional Water Quenched Tamahagane Steel, this finely constructed fighting blade is housed in a magnificent, meticulously matching set of Aikuchi Koshirae fittings. Highlighted by a brilliant red lacquered scabbard and an exquisite, gold embellished brushed Iron Kozuka utility knife, every element of this set speaks to the elite status and elite combative preparation of its original owner during the historic Bakumatsu Era. Preserved in a high state of professional polish, this robust weapon represents a premier gallery quality candidate for any advanced weapons archives, institution or fine Collection of East Asian Art, and discerning Collectors of Feudal Japanese Militaria.SPECIFICATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
Form: Aikuchi Tanto (Sleek short sword architecture without a tsuba)
Cutting Edge Length: 8 3/4 Inches
Total Length (Tip to Top of Tang): 13 1/8 Inches
Total Length (With Tsuka Mounted): 13 3/4 Inches
Total Length (Resting inside Koshirae Scabbard): 15 1/2 Inches
Tang Structure: Mumei (Unsigned), displaying a beautifully aged, authentic profile with a single, clean mekugi-ana (peg hole). The traditional mounting peg (mekugi) fits tightly in place, providing a rock-solid, secure functional assembly.THE BLADE, METALLURGY, AND TEMPERING
Forged during the iconic Bakumatsu Era (1853–1868), this blade embodies a rare intersection of sophisticated artistry and structural design. The hand forged, water-quenched tamahagane steel exhibits a crisp, cleanly cut bo-hi (groove) running down the flank of the blade, flawlessly accentuating the elegant fighting lines of the architecture. The masterfully treated steel displays a fine grain structure accentuated by a magnificent, mirror-like museum polish.
The forging temper line reveals an exceptional Suguha Hamon, displaying a frosty, flat, and highly active straight temper line teeming with visible crystalline activity. This spectacular frosting sweeps uniformly through the kissaki (tip), showcasing a generous amount of remaining temper and demonstrating the precise and unwavering forge control of the smith during the traditional water quenching process.THE FITOUT ARTISTRY: MATCHED IRON AIKUCHI KOSHIRAE
The mounting style of this piece is a textbook definition of a premier Aikuchi Koshirae. Designed without a tsuba (handguard) to sit entirely flat and flush against the Samurai's obi sash for a swift draw, the fittings exhibit a stark, unified decorative theme of matching ironwork.
The hilt (tsuka) is covered, punctuated by intricately carved menuki depicting classic Samurai Warriors, adding a final touch of martial authority. The koshirae boasts a fully matched, austere suite of patinated iron appointments, including the hilt collar (fuchi), pommel cap (kashira), scabbard mouth (koiguchi), cord knob (kurigata), and scabbard chape (kojiri).
The saya (scabbard) is finished in a brilliant, finely mottled red lacquer of exceptional depth and quality, providing a stark visual contrast to the dark, matching iron mountings.THE BRUSHED IRON KOZUKA AND EMBELLISHED UTILITY BLADE
Slotted cleanly into the reverse channel of the red lacquer scabbard is an intact, highly artistic Kozuka (small companion utility knife). The handle is executed in rich, heavy iron, displaying a distinctive brushed texture highlighted by delicate, gold-embellished accenting. True to a deluxe mounting set, the accompanying small utility blade is tightly mounted, completing the comprehensive configuration of an authentic combat-ready Samurai Tanto.CONDITION REPORT AND COLLECTOR'S NOTE
Recently acquired from a premium private estate collection and presented exactly as discovered, this historical treasure remains in stellar condition for its age. The edge is crisp, the fittings fit tightly, the iron kozuka remains pristine, and the expansive blade polish allows for the unobstructed appreciation of the highly active suguha hamon and fine grain details. Representing the pinnacle of Late Edo Period Old World swordcraft and luxury presentation, this Aikuchi Tanto is an invaluable addition to any advanced museum gallery or private archive. All inquiries should be finalized prior to acquisition. RARE

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- If you purchase multiple items please wait for a combined invoice before paying.- Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed - further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask.- Payment is due within 3 business days after the close of the sale- New ers (10 or less response) must contact me prior to offerding; otherwise offers will be cancelled.- I describe all items to the best of my ability - please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing.- If for any reason you do not feel you can leave perfect positive response please immediately contact me so that I may have the opportunity to resolve the matter.- Mistakes very rarely occur - however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected.- International Buyers are Welcome! Please contact me if you have any question regarding shipping costs.- All packages are shipped USPS based on the dimensions, weight, & service - there is a $1.00 handling fee added to all packages to cover packing materials.- I generally ship within the stated handling time but this may not always be possible; if for some reason your package is going to be delayed I will immediately inform you and give you a full refund on shipping.