Brass etched habaki, carved lacquered sheath and handle.It was once carried by men and women of the samurai class in Japan. It was useful for self-defense in indoor spaces where the long blade katana and intermediate sword wakizashi were inconvenient. Women carried them in their kimono either in a pocket-like space (futokoro) or in the sleeve pouch (tamoto) for self-defense. Issued: 19th century (blade possibly earlier)Dimensions: 11"L X 1.5"D overallCountry of Origin: Japan Condition: Wear consistent with age- meguki is missing.