Japanese Fragmented Wakizashi, Dated with Signature (25.75 inches)

This is a fragmented but nearly complete wakizashi (shortsword) that has a complete blacksmith signature and date. One side of the tang is inscribed with 備州長船祐定作, which translates to Bizen Province, Osafune school, made by Sukesada. The other side is inscribed with 永正十二年八月目, which translates to eighth month of Eisho 12. Converted to a Western calendar year, this means that the sword was created in approximately 1515 CE.

The blade is somewhat rusted but the remaining pieces are still structurally sound, and the hamon (temper line) is still visible. Info about why this sword may have been cut apart can be found below.

A daisho (pair) of a 18th-19th century katana (below) and wakizashi (above). The blade itself has been removed from its mountings and the bare tang is visible. Image credit: LACMA

Katana, wakizashi, and tantō: what's the difference?

These three types of Japanese swords are perhaps the most recognizable outside of Japan. The katana is a longsword first developed in the 14th century, with most examples having a 25 to 30 inch blade. They were typically carried as a matched set with their shorter counterpart, the wakizashi. These shorter sidearms usually had blades around 12 to 14 inches long. The dagger-like tantō was an even smaller sidearm with a 6 to 12 inch blade, making them well suited for close up combat.

Why were these swords cut into pieces?

These swords were most likely destroyed after Japan passed strict weapon laws in the 1950's. Under the new law, all mass produced swords were banned and traditionally crafted swords became highly regulated. People who owned antique swords were required to obtain a permit in order to keep them, a costly and time consuming process. Unfortunately this drove many people to cut their swords' blades down to less than 15 centimeters long, which made them legal to own without a permit.

How are these swords authenticated?

There are many details found on antique Japanese swords that are lacking in modern reproductions. Real handmade swords have a grain visible on the steel and a temper line called a hamon along the cutting edge of the blade. The dark rust on the tang helps to date the blade as well, as it can only be acquired with age.

The source is always an important consideration when authenticating any historical items too. We worked with an antique sword dealer in Japan to import these directly to the United States. Many of these pieces may have once been family heirlooms or were recovered after being put away in storage for decades, often hidden away in more rural areas which helped them avoid the bombings and Allied sword confiscations of World War II. Due to the sheer amount of swords produced by Japan over the last few centuries, many lower grade examples are surprisingly affordable.

All purchases include a Certificate of Authenticity. You will receive the exact items shown in the product photos above.