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.