This is a relic condition Samurai Wakizashi, or "sword short" that was brought back from World War II as a souvenir. A Wakizashi worn together with a Katana was the official sign that the wearer was a Samuria during the fuedal period Japan. When the two were worn together the pair of swords was called a daisho. These short swords have been in use as far back as the 1400's. The Wakizashi was used as a backup for the Katana, used primarily in close quarters fighting. beheading defeated opponents and to commit seppuko, a ritual suicide. Samurai carried the Wakizashi at all times, even when the katana was left at the front door when visiting castles or palaces. Many Japanese soldiers, officer and enlisted alike, carried their ancestors swords into battle during WWII. This wakizashi was brought home by a US veteran of the Pacific theater as a souvenir. There is no history with it, so it is unclear if it came back in it's current condition or the past 78+ years have taken their toll. This wakizashi has an overall length of 19 1/2", with the blade length of 13 1/2". The blade has several patches of oxidation on it, some light scratching, but no nicks or flaws on the edge. There is a visible hamon, or temper line, along the edge. The tsuka, or hilt, is missing the tsuka ito, or woven cloth cover, completely exposing the marine skin wrap. There is evidence that there were once menuki's on each side of the hilt, but they are missing. The pommel cap is missing, but the ferrule, tsuba and shims are still present. The saya, or scabbard, is wooden and is cracked along the bottom almost the entire length. It still retains the black lacquered finish. It's obvious this one has seen better days, but it still has some powerful display power. There should be a spot in any Pacific theater collection for this little warrior!

Item # AA3610

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