tanto for comment

[Jason Anstey]

Hi Jonathan

Sometimes a non-signed tang may not be such a bad thing as many tanto were not signed, however I will stand to be corrected as you are very lucky to have Dr Rich making comments on your piece.

Often a signature (mei) is added later to add value (gimme = fake signature)

My thoughts were that is it a composite piece but again this is not unusual or reason for concern,

I am also interested in the shape of the tang, is there only one hole?

In addition can you take a photo of the pommel (kashira) so we can see if it matches. To me it looks like buffalo horn but I might be mistaken.

A full matching set of the Fuchi gashira and Menuki (handle ornaments) in this monkey theme is certainly desirable (woops sounds like the bloody antique road show!! )

I have a feeliing that the tsuka (handle has been rewrapped) due to the unevenness of the seam.

Can you aslo take a shot of the kojiri (sp?) (the fitting at the end of the scabbard)

look forward to discovering more

Thanks for sharing

Jason