19th Century Japanese Meiji Tanto - Folded Fan Scabbard Dagger

*19th Century Japanese Meiji Tanto - Folded Fan Scabbard Dagger*

A Japanese Meiji Tanto (dagger) disguised as a folded fan 16cm steel blade. Consisting of a metal dagger and sheath of black-lacquered wood which is in the form of a closed folding fan, separating into two sections, with the smaller part forming the handle, the blade with indistinct forging, unsigned. Typically if the blades were signed it was on the tang which we can't examine here. The hilt is holed and ringed & fitted with its original tasseled cord. Made in the Meiji Period C 1880’s- 1910

In the 19th Century Tanto daggers served as tourist souvenirs. Some tourist daggers had mountings simulating a folded Japanese fan. They were popular in the late 19th and 20th centuries among tourists and to those who wanted to bring concealed weapons.

*Condition
Given the age of this unique piece it is in good condition with age related rusting to blade and a few small nicks, there is one split to the scabbard and various scuffs dents to scabbard and handle.

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