Tanto sword help

[greenace]

I just purchased this Tanto sword and need a bit of help determining age etc. I've been told it's from the Edo period. No markings on the Tang. Also, the guard seems to be loose and I'm wondering if I'm missing a piece




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[rbminis]

It looks like you are missing two seppa, one goes between the handle and the tsuba, and the other goes between the tsuba and the habaki.
Ralph.

[Beater]

How long is the blade? I think it might be a wakizashi rather than tanto, 12" or 1 shaku is the dividing measurement between a tanto and waki. Also the blade has a shinogi (ridge line) which would be unusual in a tanto.

[greenace]

The blade is 13" long


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[nickn]

Is that the total length or tip to notch along the back in a straight line?
The blade appears to have been cut down

[greenace]

Tip to notch (cutting edge)


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[greenace]

Also, it does not have a mark on the tang. Is this normal?


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[nickn]

Very common
But it could have been signed before it was shortened

[greenace]

What's the indication that it was shortened?


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[nickn]

Shape, finish ,length

[greenace]

Shape, finish ,length

What sword would have it been originally?


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[nickn]

I would guess a wakizashi but it could be the top of a katana