Antique Japanese Sword Axe defense weapon Tobiguchi kite’s beak Edo period 1800s

Description

Offered is an original Antique Japanese defence weapon, being a firefighter’s axe and pick tool or “Tobiguchi” (kite’s beak) from the Edo period 1800’s to 1900’s.

Axe features wrought iron 9.5cm beaks head with 11.5cm iron pick end base with 9.3cm side hook attached to 50cm rosewood shaft by 4 iron rings and pins. Total length 54.5cm

Originally these Tobiguchhi were used by firefighters from Edo (current Tokyo), to remove obstacles during a fire. In peacetime, the samurai would be responsible for firefighting and organized special units which were trained to look out for arsonists or criminals, who would start fires to cover their tracks after robbery or plunder. Members of these units would use a “Tobiguchi” to disarm these criminals.