Japan, Empire. A Tanto with Scabbard Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic (Verdienstorden für WIssenschaft und Kunst)

(Verdienstorden für WIssenschaft und Kunst) Instituted 30 July 1873

5 mm inclusive of its cap

each constructed of sterling silver with gilt

and ranks of 13 recipients

secured in place by four rivets

Japan, Empire. A Tanto with Scabbard Heer. A Flak/Artillery Hauptmann’s Service Tunic (Verdienstorden für WIssenschaft und Kunst)A small fighting tanto, with bronze tsuka (handle) featuring floral patterns and a dragon in relief, the tsuba in once painted zinc, a steel blade measuring 21 cm (inclusive of habaki), measures 30. 5cm in total length, sharp kissaki (point of blade) but relatively dull blade, The scabbard, in bronze gilt, features four high relief bands with floral and bird patterns (partridge and peacock), the hangers have broken off, measures 24 cm, exhibiting gilt