EARLY EDO PERIOD C1600-1670’s LARGE Japanese Horseman’s Su-Yari Fighting Spear With Rare Signed Tang ‘Hachi Man’ (God Of War), Saya Scabbard, Japanese Oak Shaft & Expert Assessment Other Blades

**HIGH QUALITY**ANCIENT BLADE EARLY EDO PERIOD C1600-1670’s**LARGE** Japanese Horseman’s Su-Yari Fighting Spear With Rare Signed Tang ‘Hachi Man’ (God Of War), Saya Scabbard, Japanese Oak Shaft & Expert Assessment. Sn 19630 - 19630

This ancient Japanese Su-Yari spear ancient blade with blade scabbard and Oak shaft has been assessed by UK Japanese sword expert Bill Tagg. A copy of his hand written notes with illustrations accompany the spear. Extracts from the notes include “A large Su-Yari spear complete with Saya to cover blade, finished in black crackle lacquer finish, some damage & bits missing plus its Hadome parrying bar in iron 8” across for protecting hands when fighting. The oak shaft is mounted with decorated copper bands with Shakudo edging very attractive also wrapped in split bamboo twine then red lacquered. Finished with thin black lacquer over rest of pole. There are patches in the lacquer showing Ray skin under it. Possibly whole shaft originally covered in it. Damaged over years / battles. Painted over in meiji period when this was sold out of japan as a curio. The tang has 2 kanji inscription which reads ‘Hachi Man’ (God of War). A rare inscription could dedicate this to the God of war or maybe an offering to the hachi man shrine which is possibly why its not signed by the maker. The 19” cutting edge unusually has a Gunome Midare temper line in Nioi. Hamon are mostly Suguha (straight). They are difficult to temper because of shape. Blade in old 19th century polish, bright with some patches of rust and scratches. One small chip on edge otherwise good condition and un-touched from when it left japan. This has been an expensive and high quality item in its day, needing more research to possibly identify a maker. Dates to early Edo period 1600 to 1670’s”. In his illustrations Bill identifies and decribes other blade characteristics and measurements which can be seen in image 2. The overall length of the blade including tang is 39”. The Spear with blade attached is 7 Feet overall length. Due to length delivery of this spear with ancient blade & expert opinion will be within the UK only and at cost. Sn 19630

£1,895.00