Overall length: 11 1/8”. Blade length: 7 5/8”. An interesting kaiken often referred to as a woman’s dagger. Early, unsigned blade has a wavy hamon and a brass habaki. Tsuka has Meiji era mounts, including a matching silver plated fuchi & kashira. The grip is cord-wrapped and has a small brass dragon menuki on either side. All original . The saya is Japanese silver plate with an engraved foliate design and a single ashi. CONDITION: blade has a nice polish Tsuka shows light wear, as does the saya. Overall rarely seen in NZ .......the condition is near perfect . Tsuka (handle ) is very small approx 3 and 3/4 " Implying youth or young woman or small woman The quality is exceptional and would indicate wealthy family Age Tokugawa Era we estimate. Definitely 200 plus yrs old.....(Early Tokugawa estimate)....going by Hamon . Tanto/Kaiken started to be used/made less and less in 1700 onwards ....they were usually owned by Samurai women for suicide .....this practice became rarer during mid and late Tokugawa era due the 250 years of peace (1603 to 1867 ) Details : Hamon visible both sides . (Notare) swell pattern gently No nicks in blade edge Blade point in excellent condition...... This is a nice object .