General Sherman's Japanese Tanto.

Rare Japanese tantō, a traditionally made Japanese knife worn by the samurai class of feudal Japan, from the collection of General William T. Sherman preserved in his military trunk. The tantō handle is wrapped in traditional tsuka-ito cord with a shagreen covered sheath and has a small handguard. Ulysses S. Grant, a close friend of Sherman’s, went on a “World Tour” after his second presidential term had ended. It has been suggested that Grant collected a few souvenirs for his dear friend while visiting Asia. When the Grant family returned from their trip, Sherman greeted Grant at a reunion held by the veterans of the Army of the Tennessee. In very good condition. The piece measures 16 inches.