Early Japanese Wakizashi Short Sword. Possibly WW2.

An early Japanese wakizashi short sword. The wakizashi (Japanese for "side inserted") is one of the traditionally made Japanese swords (nihontō) worn by the Samurai in feudal Japan. It's name refers to the practice of wearing it inserted through one's obi or sash at one's side, whereas the larger tachi sword was worn slung from a cord. The wakizashi has a blade between 30 and 60 cm and was used as a backup or auxiliary sword.  It was also used for close quarters fighting, to behead a defeated opponent and sometimes to commit seppuku (a form of taking one's own life that was considered honourable among the feudal Japanese samurai class. Traditionally, the act consisted of stabbing oneself in the abdomen with a short sword).

Note : The sword is in good overall condition with the wooden handle intact and a heavy quality steel blade with a deep blood groove.  There are some slight nicks to the blade with light tarnishing in places.  The handle would originally have had a material wrapping.  This is no longer present.  I cannot find any military markings so doubt this was a military issue sword.  It is, however, a known fact that many of these swords were donated to the Japanese government for the WW2 war effort due to a shortage of materials.

Length : 48cm

Length (blade) : 30cm

Width (blade at widest point) : 7mm

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