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Japanese Samurai Sword Hystory
FROM THE EARLY DAYS TO THE PRESENT
The Samurai sword is unquestionably the most well known sword in the history of the world. Its presence in the batlefield as an astonishing weapon and in the homes of the Samurai warriors beautifully adorning rooms, has been felt for the last 1500 years.
It is believe that it was originally started in China, then the technology moved to Korea and finally ended up in Japan. The development and evolution of the construction and design of the Samurai sword is closely tied to the different periods in Japanese history. As technology and political events unfolded in Japan, the Samurai sword morphed to adapt to the needs of the day.
The biggest challenge of the sword maker is to successfully combine two different qualities of metal. The sword that is borned from this marriage is light, reliable in battle and practical.
The following section provides a comprehensive view of the various periods in Japanese history;
This information is brought to you courtesy of MilitaryItems.com. The source for military antiques and collectibles.
ANCIENT PERIOD (Before AD 650)
Swords of this period were primarily made by Chinese and Korean masters. There aren't very many examples of these swords around today. This period marks the begining of the Japanese culture under the reign of emperor Jimmu.
The swords from this period were called "Chokuto". Unlike the current version, the blades of these swords had a straight shape. No curvature. It is possible that some of these swords were made in China.
Some of these swords have been found in tombs. Their blades are too thin to be designed for combat. It is likely they were created for ceremonial purposes.
NARA PERIOD (650 to 793)
The first capital city of Japan was established during this period. New laws were introduced and the imperial family established a stronghold. The need for a better equipped army started creating the need for the development of better swords.
HEIAN PERIOD (794 to 1191)
Kyoto became the capital of Japan and was ruled by the Fujirawa clan. This era produced some of the best examples of Samurai swords as new techniques were developed.
Warfare had evolved. Samurai warriors were now fighting from horseback. The old swords were designed for a thrusting motion, the new swords will now require a slashing motion. This required for the sword to have a curvature. In addition, the sword had to be light enough to be hels with a single hand.
The length of the blade was incremented. The cutting edge was around 3 feet in length. The curvature was uniform. The sword was very strong. The warrior would wear the sword slung from the waist with the edge facing down.
The swords from this period are called "Tachi". The hammon was broader. This was the first time that "Ashi" was employed. The Ashi were strips of soft steal positioned in the hardened area of the edge. Designed to protect the blade when swords clashed in combat.
KAMAKURA PERIOD (1192 to 1336)
Feudal Japan is started. The Shogunate form of government is in place. The Mongols attempt to invade Japan and are met by Kamatura warriors who defend the island ferociously. However, their weapons are no match to the Mongol forces and are beaten. Suddenly, typhoon season starts and the mongol ships are destroyed stopping the invasion of Japan.
The Kamakura warriors see the need for better swords and begin working on developing better techniques. Some of the best built swords emerge at this time. The Kamakura period is known as the golden age of the Samurai Sword.
Some of the advancements in sword development include the insertion of a soft core of low carbon steal into the blade. This technique replaced the single piece of high carbon construction employed earlier.
The size of the hardened edge was increased. The blades became broader with a bigger point. The larger hardened area permitted for the sword to be polished multiple times. This is quite an advancement in technology.
As a result of experiences fighting the Mongols, sword makers saw the need for the development of a shorter sword. The reduction in size would make it easier to maneuver in hand to hand combat. This marks the birth of the "Tanto" sword.
The importance of the foot soldier grew during this period. A reflection of this fact is that the "Tachi" required two hands to be used.
Emperor Godaigo gathers up forces and manages to overthrow the Shogunate.
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MUROMACHI PERIOD (1337 to 1573)
The Shogunate returns to power. Japan is split in two as civil war erupts. The conflict lasts for over 100 years and causes a huge supply of swords to appear. Lack of materials, the need to outfit armies with swords in a short period of time, constant attacks and other factors contributed to a sharp decline in the quality of the swords.
The constant fighting leads to the development of new technology. This period marks the birth of the "Uchigatana". This is a companion sword measuring roughly 24 inches and designed for single hand use. It was ideal for fighting indoors where the larger "Tachi" was not practical.
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AZUCHI-MOMOYAMA PERIOD (1574 to 1602)
Japan is reunited under the control of the warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The existing large armies are put to use by invading China and Korea. A decree is issued that prohibits farmers from owning swords.
This period saw the birth of the "Katana". Measuring between 24 to 30 inches in length. A companion sword called the "Wakisashi" was also created. Measuring around 18 inches long. The swords were meant to be worn together. This became an icon and tradition of the Samurai warrior until the end of WWII when the swords were outlawed.
The swords were more appealing to the eye. They were more shiny and had larger hammons. These styles of swords are known as Shinto (meaning "New sword"). As peace spread through the country swords started becoming more an ornament or sign of status rather than a weapon.
Changes in warfare tactics are developed as a result of the introduction of the gun.
| Era Name | Year | Comments |
| Bunroku | 1592 | |
| Keicho | 1596 |
EDO PERIOD (1603 to 1867)
| Modern day Tokyo becomes the capital of Japan. This is a period of relative peace. Japan's first contact with the west took place during this period with the coming of Commodore Perry in 1853. The quality of the Shinto blades were an improvement from those created during the warring years. However, this came to an end when shortages of materials, high taxes and corruption placed a heavy toll on the craft. Quality began to suffer again. A chief swordsmith was appointed. This organization was in charge of issuing certificates to individuals, allowing them to become authorized sword makers. It is thought that this organization contributed to the fall in quality of the swords. They would sell the titles at a very high price. In turn, the sword makers would charge an increased fee for their swords in an effort to recuperate their investment and make some profit. |  |
The 1780's saw a revival of interest in quality. A new type of sword named the "Shishinto" (Meaning New New Sword) was borned. One of the founders of this movement was named Suishinshi Masahide. He traveled the country and trained around 100 sword makers.
In 1876 the Samurai class was abolished. It was illegal to wear swords in public. This marks an end to the classical Samurai sword.
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MODERN PERIOD (1868 to now)
Emperor Meiji regained power and moved the capitol to Tokyo. In 1876 he created a law prohibiting anyone from wearing a Samurai sword. The eras included in this period are:
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The WWII Samurai Sword
The Samurai sword had a prominent status during WWII. Just about every member of the Japanese armed forces was either issued a sword or brought their own family sword into combat. The spirit of the Samurai warrior was very present in the minds of the soldiers.
During WWII swords were mass produced for officers in the Imperial Army. These blades were made from foundry steel. The were of very low quality. They did not have a hammon, hardened edge or many of the other characteristics found in hand-made swords.
The Post-WWII Samurai Sword
After the war strict rules were put in place to control the existance of weapons in Japan. These rules also applied to Samurai swords. A family who had a sword which had been handed down from generation to generation could keep ownership. However, the sword had to be registered with the government.
Any of the swords which were mass produced during WWII cannot be registered and must be destroyed.
The manufacturing of swords was completly banned. The restriction in manufacturing and posession was lifted in 1953. However, sword makers were held under rules to ensure that they were producing works of art rather than weapons for war. A list of the rules is included here. They are still in place today.
| Rule 1 | All swordsmiths must be licensed. to obtain a license the person must serve an apprenticeship under a licensed sword maker for a period no less than five years. |
| Rule 2 | The maximum production of swords from a licensed sword maker is two long swords (over 2 feet) and three small swords (under 2 feet) per month. |
| Rule 3 | All swords must be registered with the police. |
| Rule 4 | Any cutting instrument with a length of under 6 inches, which has no hole in the tang is considered to be a knife an is exempt from these rules. |
Japanes Samurai Sword Schools
The craft of Samurai sword making has long been considered an art form. Various towns in Japan would have sword makers who would develop their own techniques to treat and shape the steel. The swordmaker would create a "school", where locals from the village could learn the art of sword making.
The techniques of sword manufacturing were well guarded secrets. Having the ability to create light weight swords that had the strength to make it through battles, and hold an edge capable of cutting through armor would make the difference between life and death.
Each school would develop ways in which to marke their creations. Often times this was done by developing a heat temper pattern for the blade and signing the tang.
ANCIENT SWORD PERIOD (Until AD 900)
These swords were made primarily by Chinese and Korean swordmakers. The quality of the steel was not very good. The swords would break during combat. The swords were primarily straight, instead of having the iconic curve look of the traditional Samurai sword.
Some samples of these swords have been found in tombs. Many of them were not very thick, indicating the possibility that they were ceremonial swords instead of combat weapons.
OLD SWORD PERIOD (900 to 1530)
The following list of schools flourished during the old sword era:
A. BIZEN SCHOOL
B. YAMASHIRO SCHOOL
C. YAMATO SCHOOL
D. SOSHU SCHOOL
E. MINO SCHOOL
The schools were located in different regions of Japan. The characteristics of each sword are partly dictated by the geographical location because of the source of the ore needed to produce the steel for the sword.
Most of the modern swordsmiths produce blades using the Bizen style.
NEW SWORD PERIOD (1530 to 1867)
The following is a list of the provinces and the sword smith's who represent some of the finest expressions of the art generated during this time period:
1. YAMASHIRO PROVINCE
2. SETTSU PROVINCE
3. MINO PROVINCE
4. MUSASHI PROVINCE
5. OMI PROVINCE
6. IWASHIRO PROVINCE
7. RIKUZEN PROVINCE
8. WAKASA PROVINCE
9. ECHIZEN PROVINCE
10.KAGA PROVINCE
11.BITCHU PROVINCE
12.AKI PROVINCE
13.KII PROVINCE
14.BIZEN PROVINCE
15.HIZEN PROVINCE
16.SATSUMA PROVINCE
MODERN SWORD (1868 to now)
It is during these years that Japan begins to open to the rest of the world and modernizes. This period rushed the end of the Samurai era. Swords could no longer be worn and the swordmakers started to vanish.
The Showa era (1926 to now) is considered to be a part of the modern sword period. It is during this time that WWII occurs and helps revive the art of swordmaking. However, it is to no extent comparable to what it once was.
The years after the WWII (1945) marked a very grim period for the art of sword making. Many of the elder swordsmiths died without leaving an apprentice to continue the trade. Many of the students quit under the intense scrutiny of regultions. The country had been defeated and destruction was everywhere.
Swordsmiths today are regulated by a set of rules established in 1953. The rules are set to ensure that the craftsmen produced pieces of art and not weapons of war. The rules are as follows:
| Rule 1 | All swordsmiths must be licensed. to obtain a license the person must serve an apprenticeship under a licensed sword maker for a period no less than five years. |
| Rule 2 | The maximum production of swords from a licensed sword maker is two long swords (over 2 feet) and three small swords (under 2 feet) per month. |
| Rule 3 | All swords must be registered with the police. |
| Rule 4 | Any cutting instrument with a length of under 6 inches, which has no hole in the tang is considered to be a knife an is exempt from these rules. |
The art of sword making in Japan has seen a resurgance. An organization has been formed to preserve the art and sword making and promote the appreciation of the swords. The Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai (The Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Tokyo.
The group holds an anual competition where swordsmiths can enter a blade. There is a panel of 15 judges that review the workmanship. The judges come from a variety of trades; swordsmiths, polishers appraisers and others decide the outcome of the contest.
Japanes Samurai Sword Wakisashi Blade
JAPANESE WAKISASHI SAMURAI SWORD
The Samurai sword has risen to be one of the most desirable military antiques in the market. The popularity is due in part to its use in movies, television and printed media. The vast majority of the swords found in the United States were brought back from Japan after the end of WWII.
The blade is the most valuable component of the sword. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure it does not get damaged. For that purpose, swords would be encased in special wooden containers. Such as the one featured in this page. The blade would remain in storage until it was ready to be issued. At which point it would be outfitted with military or family fittings depending on the needs of the owner.
The sample shown here is a Wakisashi. The blade is hand-made and dates back to the early 1800's.
The Wakisashi was creted during the Momoyama period. It was designed to be the companion to the Katana. The purpose behind its creation was to have a weapon that could be used in more confined places, such as the room of a house. The Katana would be harder to manipulate in such places.
The blade shows some surface rusting and minor pitting to the edge. The temper line is not easily seen. It is important for sword owners to learn how to properly handle blades in order to avoid costly damage and value reduction. Some tips on how to handle Samurai blades include:
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
The tip shows some wear. The rust is likely to be a byproduct of improper storage. The rest ripling effect could have been caused by use. The blade has lost the Hamon. These marks were the signature of the swordsmith that created the blade.
Polishing may bring back some of the original characteristics of the blade. Polishing should be performed by a person with the proper training.
The blade of the sword is the most valuable part. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that no damage occurs to it. Blades were encased in wooden containers, such as the one illustrated here, as a means of safely storing it. At a later date the blade could be outfitted with military fittings or any other style of accessory to meet the user's needs.
This is a hand made Wakisashi blade. This sword was manufactured in the early 1800's.
The Wakisashi was developed during the Momoyama period. The intent was to create a weapon that was easier to manipulate in confined quarters, such as the room of a house. The Wakisashi was meant to be the companion of the Katana, which is a larger sword.
The Wakisashi had a length of up to 24 inches. Because it was a lighter and smaller weapon it was possible to wield it with a single hand. .
The blade shows some surface rusting but not in bad shape. The temper line still visible. This line is important because it was used by the maker as a form of signature. The shape of the temper can be used to identify the master who made the sword.
The Tang is not signed. Original rust is present (has not been cleaned). Two holes have been bored for handle-mounting purposes. Wooden pegs are used for this purpose.
The size and the shape of the Tang could help identify the school that made the blade.
The tip shows minor pitting and remains strong. No signs of improper sharpening are present. The blade still retains some of the original heat treatment. It is important that owners learn the basics of blade handling. This will avoid expensive damage and loss of value to the sword. Some basic tips include:
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other Japanese Samurai swords, you can do so by going to our Japanese Samurai Swords Guide identification guide. Where we cover Samurai swords from all periods
The Samurai sword has risen to be one of the most desirable military antiques in the market. The popularity is due in part to its use in movies, television and printed media. The vast majority of the swords found in the United States were brought back from Japan after the end of WWII.
The blade is the most valuable component of the sword. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to ensure it does not get damaged. For that purpose, swords would be encased in special wooden containers. Such as the one featured in this page. The blade would remain in storage until it was ready to be issued. At which point it would be outfitted with military or family fittings depending on the needs of the owner.
The sample shown here is a Wakisashi. The blade is hand-made and dates back to the early 1800's.
The Wakisashi was creted during the Momoyama period. It was designed to be the companion to the Katana. The purpose behind its creation was to have a weapon that could be used in more confined places, such as the room of a house. The Katana would be harder to manipulate in such places.
The blade shows some surface rusting and minor pitting to the edge. The temper line is not easily seen. It is important for sword owners to learn how to properly handle blades in order to avoid costly damage and value reduction. Some tips on how to handle Samurai blades include:
- DO not touch the blade. The hand contains oils that are damaging to the blade. Your fingerprints can be edged into it.
- Store in a dry place. Avoid placing in basements. They tend to retain humidity, potentially causing water damage.
- Clean the blade with a soft cotton rag.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
The tip shows some wear. The rust is likely to be a byproduct of improper storage. The rest ripling effect could have been caused by use. The blade has lost the Hamon. These marks were the signature of the swordsmith that created the blade.
Polishing may bring back some of the original characteristics of the blade. Polishing should be performed by a person with the proper training.
The blade of the sword is the most valuable part. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that no damage occurs to it. Blades were encased in wooden containers, such as the one illustrated here, as a means of safely storing it. At a later date the blade could be outfitted with military fittings or any other style of accessory to meet the user's needs.
This is a hand made Wakisashi blade. This sword was manufactured in the early 1800's.
The Wakisashi was developed during the Momoyama period. The intent was to create a weapon that was easier to manipulate in confined quarters, such as the room of a house. The Wakisashi was meant to be the companion of the Katana, which is a larger sword.
The Wakisashi had a length of up to 24 inches. Because it was a lighter and smaller weapon it was possible to wield it with a single hand. .
The blade shows some surface rusting but not in bad shape. The temper line still visible. This line is important because it was used by the maker as a form of signature. The shape of the temper can be used to identify the master who made the sword.
The Tang is not signed. Original rust is present (has not been cleaned). Two holes have been bored for handle-mounting purposes. Wooden pegs are used for this purpose.
The size and the shape of the Tang could help identify the school that made the blade.
The tip shows minor pitting and remains strong. No signs of improper sharpening are present. The blade still retains some of the original heat treatment. It is important that owners learn the basics of blade handling. This will avoid expensive damage and loss of value to the sword. Some basic tips include:
- Do not touch the blade
- Do not apply oil to the blade
- Store in a dry place
- Wipe the blade clean with a soft cotton rag.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other Japanese Samurai swords, you can do so by going to our Japanese Samurai Swords Guide identification guide. Where we cover Samurai swords from all periods
Japanese Samurai Sword Tanto Blade
The Samurai sword has a very rich history. The sword has been manufactured for several centuries and continues to be produced today. The sword represented more than just a weapon. It was the soul of the Samurai warrior.
When attempting to identify the type of sword you have It is important to keep in mind that the fittings of a sword (scabbard, handle, crossguard. etc.) may be identical from one sword to another. The reason why is because during WWII the same fittings were used in all Army swords, Navy swords, etc. Armed forces are all about uniformity. They strive to make everything the same. This is the reason why a sword cannot be identified merely by its external appearance.
Japanese Samurai Tanto Blade
This is a Japanese edge weapon used during the WWII period. The actual manufacturing date of the Tanto blade dates back to the late 1800's.
Information provided here allows the enthusiast to identify the Japanese edge weapon. In addition, data is provided to map the value of the collectibles over a period of time. This information is brought to you courtesy of MilitaryItems.com , a provider of high quality militay collectibles.
The Tanto knife was the smallest blade the Samurai took into combat. The small stature made it ideal for close combat fighting where wielding a large sword is not an option. The same knife was also used for commiting suicide.
The Tanto knife shown on this page is housed in a wooden case. This enclosure was normally used as a transitional housing while the blade waited to be mounted in more proper attire.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
The blade has a beautifully engraved dragon figure. This is a show of workmanship as the dragon is composed of a series of strikes performed by the master. making a mistake here could cause the blade to be thrown away.
The handle of the Tanto has a nicely inlayed white diamond section made from bone. This part frames the hole where the pin is inserted. Removing the pin causes the blade to be separated from the handle.
The texture of the handle is nice and smooth. The coloring is consistent all throughout. A black band is painted at the throat of the scabbard.
The tang has a single hole drilled near the top. This is where the The handle pin passes through in order to secure the blade to the handle. The very end of the tang has a rounded finish.
A single marking is applied to the tang.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
Japanes Samurai Sword Examples
SAMURAI SWORD EXAMPLES
The following section of the website provides a pictorial record of several Samurai swords. The types covered include the Katana, WWII NCO Katana, Wakisashi and Tanto knife. Each sword is analyzed and comments are provided. Many of the swords offer a price guide.
The Katana is the most popular and more valuable Samurai sword. This was the primary weapon of the Samurai warrior. its quality, beauty and legendary strength has earned it a top place in the annals of history. The length of the Samurai Katana sword measures from 24 inches on up. The following are examples of Katana swords.
WWII JAPANESE ARMY SAMURAI SWORD
This is a WWII Katana. The Katana sword was developed during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, between 1574 to 1602. These types of swords measure between 24" to 30".
The Katana is one of the most recognizable swords in history. Its strength, simplicity in design and out right beauty has elevated it to be one of the top military antiques and is highly collectible.
Most of the swords found in the United States were war souvenirs brought back by soldiers after the end of WWII.
This is a picture of the Katana outside of the scabbard. The swords were designed to fit loosely inside the scabbard. The sword was worn slung through the belt with the curve facing down.
The wooden scabbard with a brownish leather cover are traditional mountings of the WWII period. A side view of the leather strap is seen on the left picture. The bottom of the scabbard has a simple leather design to it (right photo).
The mid section of the scabbard can be seen here. The leather has been cut to allow the hanger loop to go through. Underneath the leather the wood from the scabbard is visible.
The three cherry blossom menuki is also a typical mounting of the japanese armed forces during WWII. The menuki is often a highly decorative piece portraying figures of dragons, skulls, insects and many other characters. The picture on the right illustrates the "tachi" hardware.
The pommel cap (Kashira) came in a variety of designs or simply plain. the example shown here depicts a flowery scene. The purchaser had a choice as to the complexity of the design.
The leather fastener with a snap is used to hold the blade in place. The wooden scabbard shows as the leather cover has receded due to aging. A clear view of the tsuba (hand guard) is displayed here.
The set of pictures below shows some of the components of a sword. A wooden peg would go through the hole in the tang to secure the blade to the handle. Soldiers would often make the peg by inserting a chop stick in the hole of the tang, then proceeded to break it. swords often displayed the signature of the maker, their title and school or village on the tang. The example shown here is not signed.
The photo on the left shows the Habaki. Normally manufactured of copper. It was designed to hold the sword in place when put in the scabbard. Soldiers with the necessary means could have the Hamon covered with gold foil. The Hamon is secured between the nothes at the base of the blade and the Tsuba.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for Samurai swords. Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
WWII KATANA BY NOBUMITSU
This is a Japanese Imperial Army sword. As issued to officers during WWII. The handle is wrapped in the traditional green cloth. The pommel has a metal cap. The Tsuba is standard WW2 issue. The scabbard is painted green and has a single suspension ring.
When the sword is placed in the scabbard, a little hook activates and locks the blade in place. This is a safety device so the sword does not fall out.
This photo shows the Samuraui sword taken out of the scabbard. The sword has a slight curve, which is the signature of the Samurai blade. The original polish remains. No major damage. Some surface rust spots but the edge does not have any nicks.
When the handle is removed traces of the filings are visible in the form of lines at an angle. The Habaki is of standard construction for the period.
A close up of the handle reveals a wrapping job that remains tight. The pommel cap has openings on the side. Flowe and leaf images are applied to the front, top and back. A hole is found in the pommel, this is used as a means to attach the lanyard loop to the pommel.
Some of the pommel rings are very basic. The one shown here is very nicely decorated. The pommel cap also has a nice pebbling effect all around the main body.
The handle has a wooden core that is wrapped in white ray skin. A set of Menukis is found on the handle. One for each side. The shape of the Menuki consists of three flowers in a row. That was the standard military issue during WWII.
The Tsuba is of late war construction. The center body is solid as opposed to being hollowed. A flower is placed on each corner. The spacers (O-Seppa) are visible from a top view. The metal ring placed at the base of the handle is also decorated with the same flower and leaf design as the pommel cap.
The base ring serves the purpose of holding the locking release mechanism. This is a metal button that when depressed it releases the lock that holds the blade attached to the scabbard. The sword can then be pulled out.
The date information is written on the tang. The sword is from the Showa period which starts in 1926 under Emperor Hiroito.
The date translate to January of 1944. Notice that the tang has a single hole. This is an indication that the sword was never shortened. It retains the original size as when it was created. The end of the Tang has a round appearance.
The signature of the master. His name was Nobumitsu and he was a knwon sword maker during WWII. A number 41 and a couple other small characters are written just below the signature. These are either production numbers or arsenal inventory numbers.
This is a view of the entire tang where the master's signature has been applied.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other Japanese Samurai swords, you can do so by going to our Japanese Samurai Swords Guide identification guide. Where we cover Samurai swords from all periods.
The following section of the website provides a pictorial record of several Samurai swords. The types covered include the Katana, WWII NCO Katana, Wakisashi and Tanto knife. Each sword is analyzed and comments are provided. Many of the swords offer a price guide.
The Katana is the most popular and more valuable Samurai sword. This was the primary weapon of the Samurai warrior. its quality, beauty and legendary strength has earned it a top place in the annals of history. The length of the Samurai Katana sword measures from 24 inches on up. The following are examples of Katana swords.
WWII JAPANESE ARMY SAMURAI SWORD
This is a WWII Katana. The Katana sword was developed during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, between 1574 to 1602. These types of swords measure between 24" to 30".
The Katana is one of the most recognizable swords in history. Its strength, simplicity in design and out right beauty has elevated it to be one of the top military antiques and is highly collectible.
Most of the swords found in the United States were war souvenirs brought back by soldiers after the end of WWII.
This is a picture of the Katana outside of the scabbard. The swords were designed to fit loosely inside the scabbard. The sword was worn slung through the belt with the curve facing down.
The wooden scabbard with a brownish leather cover are traditional mountings of the WWII period. A side view of the leather strap is seen on the left picture. The bottom of the scabbard has a simple leather design to it (right photo).
The three cherry blossom menuki is also a typical mounting of the japanese armed forces during WWII. The menuki is often a highly decorative piece portraying figures of dragons, skulls, insects and many other characters. The picture on the right illustrates the "tachi" hardware.
The pommel cap (Kashira) came in a variety of designs or simply plain. the example shown here depicts a flowery scene. The purchaser had a choice as to the complexity of the design.
The leather fastener with a snap is used to hold the blade in place. The wooden scabbard shows as the leather cover has receded due to aging. A clear view of the tsuba (hand guard) is displayed here.
The set of pictures below shows some of the components of a sword. A wooden peg would go through the hole in the tang to secure the blade to the handle. Soldiers would often make the peg by inserting a chop stick in the hole of the tang, then proceeded to break it. swords often displayed the signature of the maker, their title and school or village on the tang. The example shown here is not signed.
The photo on the left shows the Habaki. Normally manufactured of copper. It was designed to hold the sword in place when put in the scabbard. Soldiers with the necessary means could have the Hamon covered with gold foil. The Hamon is secured between the nothes at the base of the blade and the Tsuba.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my Samurai Sword worth?". A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the swords is reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of MilitaryItems.com, a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
WWII KATANA BY NOBUMITSU
This is a Japanese Imperial Army sword. As issued to officers during WWII. The handle is wrapped in the traditional green cloth. The pommel has a metal cap. The Tsuba is standard WW2 issue. The scabbard is painted green and has a single suspension ring.
When the sword is placed in the scabbard, a little hook activates and locks the blade in place. This is a safety device so the sword does not fall out.
This photo shows the Samuraui sword taken out of the scabbard. The sword has a slight curve, which is the signature of the Samurai blade. The original polish remains. No major damage. Some surface rust spots but the edge does not have any nicks.
When the handle is removed traces of the filings are visible in the form of lines at an angle. The Habaki is of standard construction for the period.
A close up of the handle reveals a wrapping job that remains tight. The pommel cap has openings on the side. Flowe and leaf images are applied to the front, top and back. A hole is found in the pommel, this is used as a means to attach the lanyard loop to the pommel.
Some of the pommel rings are very basic. The one shown here is very nicely decorated. The pommel cap also has a nice pebbling effect all around the main body.
The handle has a wooden core that is wrapped in white ray skin. A set of Menukis is found on the handle. One for each side. The shape of the Menuki consists of three flowers in a row. That was the standard military issue during WWII.
The Tsuba is of late war construction. The center body is solid as opposed to being hollowed. A flower is placed on each corner. The spacers (O-Seppa) are visible from a top view. The metal ring placed at the base of the handle is also decorated with the same flower and leaf design as the pommel cap.
The base ring serves the purpose of holding the locking release mechanism. This is a metal button that when depressed it releases the lock that holds the blade attached to the scabbard. The sword can then be pulled out.
The date information is written on the tang. The sword is from the Showa period which starts in 1926 under Emperor Hiroito.
The date translate to January of 1944. Notice that the tang has a single hole. This is an indication that the sword was never shortened. It retains the original size as when it was created. The end of the Tang has a round appearance.
The signature of the master. His name was Nobumitsu and he was a knwon sword maker during WWII. A number 41 and a couple other small characters are written just below the signature. These are either production numbers or arsenal inventory numbers.
This is a view of the entire tang where the master's signature has been applied.
This Samurai Sword may be currently reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other Japanese Samurai swords, you can do so by going to our Japanese Samurai Swords Guide identification guide. Where we cover Samurai swords from all periods.