AN AIKUCHI TANTO

AN AIKUCHI TANTO
SIGNED SUKETAKA SAKU AND DATED SANNEN NIGATSU, [THE SECOND MONTH OF THE THIRD YEAR] (THE ERA NOT INSCRIBED), Edo Period (19th century)
Sugata [configuration]: unokubi-zukuri, slight curve
Kitae [forging pattern]: ko-itame
Hamon [tempering pattern]: gunome-ba
Boshi [tip]: ko-maru
Nakago [tang]: single mekugi-ana, kiri file marks, ha-agari kurijiri
Habaki [collar]: single silver-clad copper
Nagasa [length of blade]: 19.3cm.
Koshirae [mounting]: aikuchi mounting with black lacquered spiral formed scabbard, kashira and long kojiri both silver migakiji, two silver o-seppa, shakudo fuchi engraved with leaves and with a sunken panel with gilt leaves, signed Bushu Edo ju Nara Toshinao saku, menuki of shakudo and gilt horses, silvered copper umabari