Antique Japanese Sunnobi Tanto 寸延短刀, Wide Temper, Shinshinto 新々刀 Bakumatsu Era For Sale

A DESCRIPTION OF A REVOLUTIONARY WARRIOR'S BLADE: AN OUTSTANDING JAPANESE SUNNOBI TANTO FROM THE BAKUMATSU ERADESCRIPTION OVERVIEW
This formidable Japanese Sunnobi Tanto stands as a classic, high-performance combat weapon from the Bakumatsu Era (1853–1867), the violent and historic twilight of the Samurai Warrior class. Forged during the pinnacle of the Shinshinto (New-New Sword) period, this large-scale dagger represents the dramatic return to the rugged, wide, and practical weapon designs spearheaded by historic masters to endure the brutal close-quarters warfare of mid-19th Century Japan. Hand Forged from Water Quenched Tamahagane steel, the blade features a remarkably wide temper line and sits in a beautifully preserved shirasaya (plain wooden storage mounts). Boasting an exceptional state of polish that highlights its active metallurgy, this weapon is a premier acquisition candidate for any advanced collection of Japanese Weaponry, Arms Archives, and fine East Asian Art.SPECIFICATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
Form: Sunnobi Tanto (Oversized, lengthened short sword structure bordering a small Wakizashi)
Cutting Edge Length: 12 Inches
Total Length (Tip to Top of Tang): 16 3/4 Inches
Total Length (With Tsuka Mounted): 17 1/4 Inches
Total Length (Resting inside Shirasaya): 17 5/8 Inches
Tang Structure: Mumei (Unsigned), traditional for many combat blades intended for rapid battlefield deployment during civil unrest. It features one clean, singular mekugi-ana (mounting peg hole) with a bamboo peg that locks tightly into place.THE BLADE, METALLURGY, AND SHINSHINTO CRAFTSMANSHIP
This blade is a physical manifestation of the Shinshinto philosophical movement. Following two centuries of peaceful stagnation where swords became fragile and overly decorated, the existential threat of Western arrival and internal civil war forced swordsmiths to look backward. This masterwork showcases an incredibly thick, robust cross-section meant to smash through armor and parry heavy strikes without fracturing.The hand-forged steel displays a pristine, beautifully integrated grain structure brought forward by a brilliant, mirror-like museum polish. The tempering process reveals a spectacular and highly distinct Gunome Hamon, exhibiting a frosty, cloud like billowing pattern packed with active crystalline structures (nie and nioi). This wide, majestic temper remains boldly defined as it sweeps cleanly through the large kissaki (tip), displaying the precise thermal mastery required during traditional water-quenching.HISTORICAL CONTEXT: The Chaotic Bakumatsu Era
To fully appreciate this Sunnobi Tanto, one must examine its birth era: the Bakumatsu (1853–1867). Triggered by the arrival of American Commodore Matthew Perry’s military warships, Japan plunged into a bloody civil war between the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate and Imperial loyalists. In response to rampant urban assassinations and political street duels, swordsmiths dramatically adjusted their forging techniques. The standard, delicate short sword was abandoned in favor of the Sunnobi Tanto an intentionally elongated, heavy weapon that offered the concealment of a dagger but the lethal reach and cutting power of a short sword. This weapon was crafted explicitly as a tool of survival during one of the most volatile eras in Japan.CONDITION REPORT AND COLLECTOR'S NOTE
Acquired recently from a premier private estate collection and presented exactly as discovered, this scarce Bakumatsu blade remains in stellar, gallery grade condition. The edge is flawlessly uniform, the steel shows zero fatal flaws, and the expansive polish allows the collector to observe every nuance of the active, wavy hamon. Free of any modern modifications, this imposing Sunnobi Tanto provides an extraordinary window into the twilight of the Samurai. All inquiries should be completed prior to acquisition.

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- If you purchase multiple items please wait for a combined invoice before paying.- Please review all photos for details regarding the condition of the item listed - further condition information will be included in the listing as is relevant, if you need additional photographs or have questions regarding the condition please do not hesitate to ask.- Payment is due within 3 business days after the close of the sale- New ers (10 or less response) must contact me prior to offerding; otherwise offers will be cancelled.- I describe all items to the best of my ability - please do not hesitate to ask any and all questions prior to the close of the listing.- If for any reason you do not feel you can leave perfect positive response please immediately contact me so that I may have the opportunity to resolve the matter.- Mistakes very rarely occur - however if one does please rest assured that it will be corrected.- International Buyers are Welcome! Please contact me if you have any question regarding shipping costs.- All packages are shipped USPS based on the dimensions, weight, & service - there is a $1.00 handling fee added to all packages to cover packing materials.- I generally ship within the stated handling time but this may not always be possible; if for some reason your package is going to be delayed I will immediately inform you and give you a full refund on shipping.