A jitte (十手), sometimes pronounced jutte, is a specialized weapon that was used by Edo-period police officers. They are generally a heavy iron metal shaft that has been fitted with a hook. The hook is used to capture and arrest a sword blade after blocking it with the shaft. It can also be used to hook into clothing or parts of the body like the nose or mouth or to push into joints or other weak points.
This jitte has a extra kick to it, however. Should the perpetrator get out of hand, all the police officer had to do was to point the business end of the jitte at him and press on the fulminate of mercury cap and BOOM. You see this jitte is also a gun. SURPRISE!!!
This uniqueness has earned this piece a place in my Mezurashii Hall of Fame.
