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THE JAPANESE SAMURAI SWORD -
The Samurai sword is a fine instrument of warfare that has captivated the imagination of warriors and the public in general for many generations.

From the big screen to the small screen. The pure elegance of the Samurai sword is captivating. The manufacturing of the sword is an art that remains live and well in Japan. This has become one of the most sought after military collectibles.

This page provides the visitor with a glance of various Samurai swords. From the 1400's to WWII. Different aspects of the sword are discussed. Including the worth of the Samurai sword and its potential future increase in value. This information is provided to you courtesy of MilitaryItems.com . The source for military antiques and collectibles on the web.

THE WAY HOME - How Samurai swords made it to the United States and other countries.
The Samurai swords were brought back to the US by GI's returning home from the war. These were very popular war souvenirs. Soldiers who did not pick them up themselves in the battle field would trade for them in theater or on the ships home.

A large number of Samurai swords were destroyed after the Japanese surrendered. Part of the conditions for the surrendered was that the soldiers turned in all hteir weapons. This included Samurai swords.

Piles upon piles of the swords were gathered near the ports and were thrown into the ocean. Some of the swords were melted to be used as construction material. A percentage of them were brought to America.

There were more swords in the United States than in Japan after the war.

This section of the website features some of the swords that survive the conflict.

GI brings Samurai sword home from Japan
WWII Japanese propaganda poster

WORLD WAR II PROPAGANDA
The WWII Japanese soldier was closely linked to the Samurai sword. The reason behind that is because the soldiers would take their swords into combat. In many cases, when defeat was inevitable, they would launch a suicide attack known as the banzai charge. In many cases the officers would have their swords drawn out in an effort to kill American soldiers.

This connection was leveraged by American intelligence to create posters that would evoke patriotic sentiment among the public. This would translate into monetary contributions to the war effort and/or volunteering for military service.

UNDERSTANDING THE SAMURAI SWORD
After the GI's brought the swords home they showed them to their friends. After the novelty wore off and daily life settled back in the swords often times were sold at yard sales or they ended in their closets, attics or basements.

The years pass by. The soldier dies. Sometimes the family members knew of the exisatnce of the sword and sometimes not. In either case you end up with the sword. Now what?

Understanding the Samurai sword can be a complicated task. The sword has many components and a very rich history. In addition, the value of the sword can vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

This section of the website was created in an effort to answer some of the questions a person may have.

FAQ's
Come and check out our Frequently Asked Questions section of this website.

WWII veteran talking about Samurai swords




THE SAMURAI SWORD HERITAGE
The Samurai sword has a very long and rich history. The masters who made the swords trained relentlessly for many years in order to master their craft. These masters formed schools where students would learn and pass on the sword making techniques to other generations.


Understanding the history of the Samurai sword

JAPANESE SAMURAI SWORD HISTORY
This section provides information about the different periods of the sword. A brief description of the history of Japan is also discussed.
The Samurai sword swordsmith schools

SAMURAI SWORD SMITHS AND THEIR SCHOOLS
The sword makers are a crucial component of the history of the Samurai. This section provides information about the various sword smiths who made the swords and their schools.

Understanding how to read Samurai sword signatures

READING SAMURAI SWORD SIGNATURES AND DATES
The Samurai sword was often signed by the master who made it or the factory it produced it. This section provides an understanding of how to interpret the signatures.



PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SAMURAI SWORD
The Samurai sword has a very long and rich history. Gaining an understanding of the sword requires learning about the different components that make out the weapon as well as the traditions behind the sword. The following section provides information in some key areas of the sword. A person who is interested in collecting the Samurai swords will find this information very useful.


The anatomy of a Samurai sword

SAMURAI SWORD ANATOMY
This section of the web site provides a break down of the sword and the names given to each component.
Samurai sword blade tip types

SAMURAI SWORD BLADE TIPS
The Samurai sword blade was designed in a variety of different styles. This section of the site reviews some of the most commonly found tip characteristics.
Samurai sword handle ornaments - the Menuki

SAMURAI SWORD MENUKIS
The Samurai sword handle is adorned with a metal decoration placed on each side of the handle. Normally towards the middle. These decorations are known as menuki. This section of the site provides various examples.


Samurai sword crossguard - Tsuba

THE SAMURAI SWORD TSUBA
The Tsuba is one of the components of the Samurai sword. It is a metal piece located at the base of the handle. It acts as a handguard. Tsubas come in various designs. From simple to complex.
Different types of Samurai sword blades

THE SAMURAI SWORD BLADES
The blade is the heart of the Samurai sword. It has been produced for centuries and by many different masters. Each blade has a story to tell and it is told by its various characteristics.
Samurai sword tang types

THE SAMURAI SWORD TANG
The tang of the blade contains a great deal of information about the sword. The shape, color and construction can provide many clues about the age of the sword. The signatures are also here.




OTHER SAMURAI ITEMS
The Samurai went to combat with a series of different components to make him more lethal in battle. going to war involved a field full of warriors slashing, thrusting and smashing other fighters with their weapons. The Samurai wore a helmet and armor for protection against attacks directed at him. This section of the site takes a closer look at the equipment employed by the warrior.


Samurai helmet anatomy

SAMURAI HELMET ANATOMY
The helmets worn by the Samurai were a very distinct component. Similar to an indivisual's signature. This page discusses its history and anatomy.
Samurai warrior armor

SAMURAI ARMOR ANATOMY
The Samurai armor is a very unique piece of equipment used by the warrior. This page provides the visitor with a break down of the anatomy of the armor along with a brief history of its use.





RELATED JAPANESE EDGE WEAPONS TOPICS
While the Samurai sword is the most popular and well known edge weapon used by the Japanese, there were other swords, knives and bayonets who were employed by the military over the decades. This section of the website explores such items and provides the collector with a better understanding of some of the other edge weaponns employed by the Japanese.


Japamese bayonets of WWII

JAPANESE MILITARY BAYONETS
This section covers the bayonets used by the Japanese Imperial armed forces during WWII. Information includes the different types of markings applied to the blades.
WWII Japanese military swords

JAPANESE MILITARY SWORDS
The information provided here covers military Japanese swords other than the Samurai sword. Different organizations such as Navy, artillery, cavalry, etc. employed non-Samurai swords.
WWII Japanese bayonet markings

JAPANESE BLADE MARKINGS
A comprehensive study of the different military markings stamped on the Japanese blades. From the Samurai swords to the bayonets.




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.



Sword Maker   Sword Maker   Sword Maker   Sword Maker
1 Unsigned Katana   21 Wakizashi - Need to translate   41 Unsigned WWII Katana   61 Wak - No signature
2 Unsigned Katana   22 Wak - No signature   42 NCO Sword   62 WWII Katana - Masayuki
3 1943 Katana - Kanekado   23 WWII Katana - Need to translate   43 Unsigned 1700's Katana   63 Militia Katana - Emura
4 WWII Katana - Need to translate   24 WWII Katana - Need to translate   44 WWII Katana - Need to translate   64 Tanto knife - Need to translate
5 WWII Katana - Need to translate   25 Katana - Masakuni   45 Wak - No signature   65 Wak - No signature
6 Unsigned Katana   26 Katana - Ishido Teruhide   46 WWII Katana with Factory logo   66 WWII Katana - ? Da Kane
7 NCO sword   27 Unsigned Katana   47 Wakizashi - Need to translate   67 Katana - Masateru
8 Unsigned Katana   28 NCO Sword   48 Tanto - Need to translate   68 Katana - Need to translate
9 Unsigned Katana   29 Late War Katana - Yoshitada   49 Unsigned Katana - Koto   69 Katana - Cut off signature
10 Wak - No signature   30 Tanto - No signature   50 WWII Katana - Tokeyama Yoshinao   70 Katana with locking mechanism - Need to translate
11 Wak - No signature   31 Tanto - No signature   51 WWII Katana - Munetoshi   71 WWII Katana - Mantetsu
12 Wak - No signature   32 Tanto - No signature   52 WWII Katana - Nobumitsu   72 NCO Samurai Sword
13 Wak - No Signature   33 WWII Katana - Need to translate   53 WWII Dress Sword - Fuyu Hiro   73 WWII Katana - Hiro Mitsu
14 Unsigned Katana   34 WWII Naval Katana - Kunimori   54 WWII Katana - Yasu Oki   74 WWII Katana - Hattori Masahiro
15 WWII Katana - Need to translate *   35 WWII Katana - Ama Hide   55 WWII Katana - Kanetomo   75 NCO Sword
16 Date only (1944) Katana   36 Unsigned Katana   56 WWII Katana - Sukesada   76 Katana - Need to translate *
17 Wakizashi - Need to translate *   37 WWII Katana - Kanefusa   57 WWII Katana - Nagayoshi   77 Late 1800's Wak - No signature
18 Wak - No signature   38 WWII Katana - Nagamitsu   58 Wak - No signature   78 WWII Katana - Tenzhosan factory
19 NCO Sword   39 WWII NCO Samurai Sword   59 NCO Sword   79 WWII Katana - No signature
20 Katana - Need to translate *   40 Wak - No signature   60 WWII Katana - Akitoshi   80 WWII Katana - Teruhide


Sword Maker   Sword Maker   Sword Maker   Sword Maker
81 1650's Katana - Kitomitsu   101 WWII Wakizashi Souvenir sword   121 Fukuda Nukemitsu Katana   141 1800's Wakizashi Sword - Unsigned
82 1600's Wak - No signature   102 WWII NCO Samurai Sword   122 1941 Katana sword - Kaneshiki or Kanenori.   142 WWII Katana sword - Mano Masayasu.
83 Rebellion Wak -No signature   103 WWII Katana - Kane Chika   123 WWII Katana - Need to translate   143 WWII Navy Katana Samurai Sword
84 WWII NCO Sword   104 Late War NCO Samurai   124 WWII Non Matching NCO   144 Straight Blade Katana Samurai Sword
85 S - Need to translate   105 1900's Katana - Inoue Naomasa   125 Wakisazhi Samurai sword - Yoshisada   145 WWII Katana Sword
86 WWII Naval Katana - Yukimune   106 Wakizashi - Hiroshige   126 1868 Wakizashi Sword - Tadayuki   146 COMING
87 Tourist Tanto Knife - No signature   107 WWII Katana by Katsu Masa   127 WWII NCO Sword - Non Matching   147 COMING
88 WWII Katana - No signature   108 1940 Samurai Katana Kane Aki   128 Wakizashi Samurai sword - Terushige   148 COMING
89 WWII NCO sword   109 WWII Japanese Naval Katana - need to Translate   129 NCO Matching Numbers   149 COMING
90 WWII Katana - Noshu Kanemichi   110 Early WWII NCO Samurai Sword   130 Katana Samurai Sword - Kanemichi   150 COMING
91 1700's Wakazashi - Need to translate   111 WWII Unsigned Katana   131 1600's Katana sword with Kiku flower   151 COMING
92 Early WWII NCO sword   112 Samurai Tanto knife - Gazzan Sadakazu   132 1400's Katana Sword - Tomoshige   152 COMING
93 Early War NCO Sword   113 WWII NCO sword   133 NCO Samurai Sword   153 COMING
94 Katana with Mon - No signature   114 WWII Samurai NCO sword   134 WWII Katana sword - Nagamitsu   154 COMING
95 WWII Naval Katana Sword - Need to translate   115 WWII Samurai Katana - Not signed   135 1700's Wakizashi sword - Signature not readable.   155 COMING
96 1700's Unsigned Wakizashi   116 1650's Katana Samurai sword - Kinmichi   136 1945 WWII Katana - Nagamitsu   156 COMING
97 WWII Japanese Army Dress sword   117 1940 Katana Samurai sword - Masakane   137 1600's Katana Samurai sword - Need to translate.   157 COMING
98 WWII Samurai Katana - Tadatoshi   118 Naval Samurai Katana Sword - Need to translate   138 1942 WWII Samurai Manchurian Katana - Mantetsu   158 Samurai sword
99 WWII NCO Samurai Sword   119 1800's Wakizashi Samurai Sword STOLEN SWORD   139 1700's Samurai Katana - Unsigned   159 COMING
100 Katana Samurai sword - Need to translate   120 WWII NCO Samurai sword   140 WWII NCO Katana Sword   160 COMING


Sword Maker   Sword Maker   Sword Maker   Sword Maker
161 NTHK Papered Tanto      
162 Katana Sword by Masakazu      
163 1854 Tanto NTHK Papered      
164 Mid 1800's Kanemoto Large Katana (27 In)      
165 Mid 1600's Wakizashi Sword by Kyonobu      
166 WWII Katana Army sword by Masayuki      
167 WWII Merchant Marines sword - Fujiwara Yoshinao      
168 WWII NCO Samurai sword      
169 Late 1400's sword with Ribbed Scabbard      
170 1944 WWII Gunto Samurai sword - Yoshi Naga      
171 WWII Navy Gunto Samurai sword - Mino Province - Tomo Nobu      
172 Late 1500's Wakizashi sword - Kyomitsu      




WWII Militia Samurai sword

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 Katana WWII Japanese military sword WWII Katana signed Samurai sword WWII Japanese Gunto sword

Sword 1 - This is a WWII Katana sword with a pre-1900s hand made blade. The fittings are Japanese Imperial army type. The blade has some damage to the spine.

Sword 2 - Japanese Katana sword with WWII mountings and a hand made blade. The Tsuba dates back to the late 1800's. The scabard is covered with brown leather.

Sword 3 - 1943 WWII Katana sword with a hand made blade. The tang is signed on one side while the other side has seven characters outlining the date.

Sword 4 - WWII Samurai Katana sword with a machine made blade. The tang has arsenal or factory painted characters. A seki stamp has been applied to the spine and side of the tang.

Japanese WWII Seki stamped Samurai sword Unsigned WWII Samurai sword Civilian Samurai sword Landing forces WWII Samurai sword

Sword 5 - WWII Katana Samurai sword. Seki stamp is placed at base of tang. The blade is signed. The mountings are a combibation of traditional and WWII.

Sword 6 - This is a Samurai Katana sword with a mix of traditional and WW2 mountings. The blade has been shortened and remounted. Three holes are found on the tang.

Sword 8 - WWII Samurai sword Katana. Some of the components appear to be post-war replacements. The scabbard is covered with brown leather.

Sword 41 - This is a Katana Samurai sword that has been outfitted for combat in the jungles of the South Pacific. The handle has been waterproofed.

Unsigned 1800s Wakizashi sword Vintage militia Samurai sword Wakizashi in civilian mounts WWII Landing marine Samurai sword

Sword 9 - 1800's Katana Samurai sword. Missing the scabbard. The handle is in traditional wrappings. The menuki is the shape of a leaf. The blade shows some rusting.

Sword 14 - WWII Samurai sword Katana. With an unsigned tang. Single hole construction. The Tsuba dates back to the late 1800's or early 1900's. Leather covered scabbard.

Sword 15 - WWII JAPANESE Katana Samurai sword. With a signed blade. the tang has also white paint arsenal markings. The Tsuba has a Seki stamp. All WWII fittings.

Sword 16 - WWII 1944 Japanese Imperial army Katana sword. Dressed in WW2 attire. The tang is signed and dated. The menuki is traditional 3 flower design.

Japanese WWII signed Katana WWII militia showato Katana 1944 Gunto Katana WWII Kanefusa Katana sword

Sword 20 - This is a Samurai sword Katana mounted in WWII fittings. The scabbard is covered in brown leather. The blade is signed. Single hole tang.

Sword 23 - Showa Period Katana Samurai sword. This is a machine made blade with a Seki stamp on the tang. The tang also has seven markings. It is mounted in traditional attire.

Sword 24 - WWII December 1944 Katana Samurai sword with a hand made blade. The tang has two holes, one near the base and one near the top. WWII mountings.

Sword 37 - This is a WWII Katana Sword. Signed by Kanefusa. The handle is wrapped in the standard military cloth. The scabbard is covered in brown leather.

WWII Masakuni combat Katana WWII Ishido Teruhide Katana Koto blade Katana WWII Katana Gunto

Sword 25 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. Manufactured and signed by master Masakuni. Dressed in WWII imperial Army attire. The handle is weather-proofed. Secured with a screw.

Sword 26 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. created and signed by master Ishido Teruhide. The tang is signed and has a single hole. The sword comes with the officer's tassle.

Sword 27 - Katana sword. a Koto blade in WWII Japanese Imperial Army fittings. The tang is rough. It is signed but the characters are difficult to make out.

Sword 38 - This is a WWII Katana Sword. Signed Nagamitsu. Only one side of the tang is marked. The handle is wrapped in the weather-proofed format.

WWII Japanese Seki Katana WWII Japanese Navy Katana by Kunimori WWII Japanese Katana by Ama Hide 1600's Katana in WWII attire

Sword 33 - WWII Katana Sword with Seki Arsenal stamp and production numbers written on green ink. All fittings are marked with matching numbers. Signed tang.

Sword 34 - WWII Naval Katana Samurai Sword. Signed by master Kunimori. The sword is beautifully mounted in military fittings. The tsuba has the rising sun pattern. Dated 1944.

Sword 35 - WWII era Samurai Katana Sword. Signed by Ama Hide. All standrad Imperial Japanese Army mountings. The sword has a snap that clips to the scabbard. Original polish.

Sword 36 - 1800's Samurai Katana Sword. The tang is not signed. It does not appear to have been shortened. Single hole. Scabbard wrapped in brown leather.

1700s civilian Wakizashi sword 1942 Gunto Katana WWII Katana with Factory logo Last ditch WWII Katana by Yashitada

Sword 43 - An 1800's Katana dressed in traditional attire. The scabbard is of wooden construction and dressed in black lacquer. The Menuki is older as well. Blade not signed.

Sword 44 - A Showa period Katana sword. The blade was manufactured on May of 1945. The tang is signed. The sword has WWII dressings.

Sword 46 - This is a WWII Katana with a Seki stamp. Of WWII production. The stamp consists of a factory logo. All attire is WWII period.

Sword 29 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. In full Imperial Japanese army mountings. The type of construction indicates "Last Ditch" Sword qualities. The tang is signed and marked with paint.

Civilian Katana with Koto blade WWII Katana by Takeyama Yoshinao 1943 Katana by Munetoshi 1944 Katana by Nobumitsu

Sword 49 - This is a Katana with a Koto blade. Mounted in traditional fittings. The scabbard is wooden. The Tsuba is old. It comes with a Dragon Menuki.

Sword 50 - A WWII Katana Samurai sword made by Takeyama Yoshinao. The tang has a Seki stamp. mountings are all WWII period. The blade is signed.

Sword 51 - 1943 Japanese Imperial Army Katana with hand made blade made by Munetoshi. This is a Gendaito blade. Tsuba dates back to 1800's. Blade si star stamped.

Sword 52 - 1944 Katans Sword made by Master Nobumitsu. All WWII dressings with a blade that is marked on both sides. one side is the date the other the signature.

WWII Japanese Model 1883 sword WWII Japanese Gunto Katana sword WWII Japanese signed Katana WWII Katana with leather scabbard

Sword 53 - This is a Japanese Officer 1883 dress sword. As issued during WWII. The blade dates back to the mid 1500's to the mid 1600's. Created by Fuyu Hiro.

Sword 54 - A WWII Katana Samurai sword. Manufactured in october of 1942 by swordsmith Yasu Oki. outfitted in WWII attire.

Sword 55 - 1943 Japanese Imperial Army Katana. Created by swordsmith Kanetomo during the month of June.

Sword 57 - A Katana sword manufactured by Swordsmith Nagayoshi. This blade was made on April 1943.

WWII Katana with metal scabbard WWII Japanese katana sword signed Masayuki WWII Showato blade signed Emura WWII Showato blade signed Kane

Sword 60 - A Katana sword manufactured for the military by Akitoshi Tsukuru from the province of Kuni.

Sword 62 - A Katana sword produced by master Ayasuki. This is a medium grade Gendaito.

Sword 63 - A Katana sword manufactured by master Emura Saku. This is a medium grade Gendaito.

Sword 66 - A Katana sword which is signed but the name has not been translated. A showato sword.

Sword 67 - A Katana sword manufactured by Masateru. Complete with a Kiku flower. Forged by Master Masateru. Mounted in traditional attire.

Sword 68 - A 1700's Katana sword with beautiful traditional mountings. Signed and stamped with logo. Wooden scabbard.

Sword 69 - A Katana sword from the Showa period. The blade has been shortened taking part of the signature away. Machine made blade.

Sword 70 - A Katana sword with a very interesting locking mechanism. Produced during WWII. Signed blade.

Sword 71 - This is a WWII Katana sword forged by Master Mantetsu. The sword is dated 1939 using the Chinese Zodiac system.

Sword 73 - This is a late war Katana sword manufactured by master Hiro Mitsu. The blade is dated 1945. All fittings are consistent with a late war piece.

Sword 74 - This is a WWII Samurai Katana forged by master Hattori Masahiro. He worked in the city of Seki. All WWII fittings.

Sword 76 - Late Shinto period Katana sword. The blade is signed. Traditional wrapping with a metal scabbard.

Sword 77 - This is a late 1800's Katana sword. The blade is not signed. Beautifully fitted in traditional attire.

Sword 78 - This is a WWII Naval Katana sword dressed in army attire. manufactured in the Tenshozan factory. Fafimily Mon has been removed.

Sword 79 - A Katana sword not signed. 1800's vintage. Horimono carved near the tip. Bohi carvings on both sides of blade.

Sword 80 - A Katana sword manufactured during WWII by Master Teru Hide. Mountings are traditional and damaged.

Sword 81 - A Katana sword made in the 1600's by Master Kito Mitsu. Rebellion style mountings.

Sword 86 - A Naval Katana sword made in the 1940's by Master Yukimune. Naval Menuki.

Sword 88 - A Japanese army Katana sword made in the 1800's, The tang is not signed. Civilian attire.

Sword 90 - A Katana sword made in the WWII period by Master Noshu Kanemichi. This is a star stamped blade in late WWII combat mountings.

Sword 105 - A Katana sword made in the 1800's period by Master Inoue Naomasa.

Sword 94 - A Katana sword made during WWII. Unsigned blade. The handle has a Samurai Mon.

Sword 97 - An officer's dress sword made during WWII. Uses a Samurai blade. The handle has a beautiful design.

Sword 103 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. Seki stamp. Machine made blade. Signed Kane Chika.

Sword 107 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. Hand made. Signed Katsu Masa.

Sword 111 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. Not signed.

Sword 121 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. Sukuda Sukemitsu.

Sword 117 - This is a WWII Japanese Samurai sword. Dated 1940. Made by Masakane.

Sword 85 - WWII Samurai Katana sword. No Tsuba. Jungle weatherproofing.

Sword 109 - WWII Samurai Katana naval sword.

Sword 132 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword made by Tomoshige.

Sword 134 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword made by Nagamitsu. This is a late war sword.

Sword 95 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. As issued to Naval officers.

Sword 98 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Manufactured by Tadatoshi.

Sword 100 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Signed blade.

Sword 108 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made by Kane Aki.

Sword 115 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Not signed.

Sword 116 - 1650's Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made by Kinmichi.

Sword 118 - Naval Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Signed blade.

Sword 122 - 1941 Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Signed Kaneshiki or Kanenori.

Sword 123 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Signed blade.

Sword 130 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made by Kanemichi.

Sword 131 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Part of signature missing. Kiku flower on tang.

Sword 138 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made in Manchuria. Forged by Mantetsu.

Sword 136 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword by Nagamitsu.

Sword 137 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made in the 1600's.

Sword 139 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made in the 1700's.

Sword 142 - WWII Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Made by Mano Masayasu.

Sword 143 - WWII Japanese Naval Samurai Katana sword .

Sword 144 - Japanese Samurai Katana sword. Straight blade.






The NCO swords were introduced on September 16, 1935. These swords were machine made and came in six different variations. however, two of the variations were not officially recognized by the Japanese Imperial Army. The scabbard and the blade are both numbered. When first produced by the factory the numbers between the two pieces matched. The following are examples of the different types of NCO Samurai swords.



Sword 7 - WWII Japanese Katana NCO Samurai Sword. All metal construction. Retains original brown paint. The base of the handle is arsenal stamped.

Sword 19 - WWII NCO Samurai sword Katana. These swords were made all from metal, including the handle. The side of the blade and the scabbard are stamped with a production number.

Sword 28 - WWII Japanese Katana NCO Sword. These swords are all mass produced. The handle is made of aluminum. The base of the handle has three arsenal markings.

Sword 39 - This is a WWII Japnese NCO Katana Sword. The handle is made of aluminum. The base of the handle has several markings. Both, the blade and the scabbard are numbered.

Sword 42 - This is an Aluminum NCO sword. A mass produced weapon that was issued during WWII. The entire thing is of metal construction.

Sword 59 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. The scabbard has been covered in leather to protect it from jungle weather.

Sword 72 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. This is a non-matching numbers example. The blade shows several nicks caused by hitting hard surfaces.

Sword 75 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction. This is a matching numbers example.

Sword 84 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction. This is a matching numbers example.

Sword 89 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 113 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 114 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 92 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction. Repainted scabbard.

Sword 104 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO late war sword. Of aluminum construction. Wooden handle.

Sword 124 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO late war sword. Of aluminum construction. Nom matching numbers.

Sword 127 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 129 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO late war sword. Of aluminum construction. Matching numbers.

Sword 93 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO early war sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 99 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 102 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 133 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 120 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.

Sword 140 - This is a Japanese WWII NCO sword. Of aluminum construction.




The Wakisashi sword was the medium size sword employed in battle by the Samurai. It was developed during the Momoyama period. Its purpose was to be used as a weapon for fighting indoors where there are restricted confines and where wielding a Katana would be more difficult. The Wakisashi was meant to be worn as a companion to the Katana. The length of the blade of the Wakisashi measures 12 inches to 24 inches. The following are photos of various Wakisashi swords.



Sword 10 - 1800's production Wakisashi. Missing the scabbard. The handle has a traditional wrapping. The tip does not have any chips. The hammon is lightly visible.

Sword 11 - This is an 1800's era Wakisashi sword. In traditional mounting. The tang is not signed. The habaki is beautifully decorated. Black lacquered scabbard.

Sword 12 - Mid 1700's Wakisashi Samurai sword in a wooden storage. The blade shows original polish. Rust spots are sporadic. The tang has a single hole.

Sword 13 - This is an 1800's Wakisashi sword. The tang is not signed and has two holes. It has not been shortened. The blade is mounted in a storage container.

Sword 17 - This is a Wakisashi word with a tsuba dating to the 1800's. The blade has a Seki stamp indicating it is of WW2 production. The handle and scabbard are of traditional type.

Sword 18 - This is a mid 1800's Wakisashi Samurai sword. Mounted in traditional attire. The blade is in poor condition. The handle wrappings are half missing.

Sword 21 - WW2 and late 1800's Samurai Wakisashi sword. The blade is an older piece. The tang is signed. The mountings are of the WW2 peirod. The scabbard is wrapped in brown leather,

Sword 22 - Early 1900's Wakisashi Samurai sword. With a hand made blade. The tang is squared off and it is not signed. The Tsuba is mid 1800's. The pommel has a beautifully executed crane.

Sword 40 - This is a mid 1800's Wakisashi sword. The handle is wrapped in the rebellion style. Complete with a non-military scabbard. A tiger design on the Tsuba and the pommel.

Sword 45 - This is a Wakisashi sword from the 1800's. The fittings are mostly traditional but it does have a Japanese navy black scabbard cover.

Sword 47 - Beautiful 1800's Wakisashi sword. Complete with long tip. The blade is marked only with the master's signature. The blade is heavily curved.

Sword 56 - This is a Wakisashi sword made by swordsmith Wakisada. The sword has a family mon that has been ground off, indicating a surrendered piece.

Sword 58 - This is a 1600's Wakisashi mounted in traditional Imperial Japanese Army attire. The blade is in good condition and has a Bohi on both sides.

Sword 61 - Manufactured in the mid 1600's. Mounted in traditional attire. Wooden scabbard with fittings dating back to the early 1800's.

Sword 65 - This is a 1700's sword with a scabbard that has an opening on the side with a signed knife. Beautiful Tsuba with a warrior design.

Sword 82 - This is a Samurai sword with a carved dragon and Horimone on the blade. Outfitted with a WWII attire which includes a leather covered scabbard.

Sword 83 - This is a Wakisashi with a very interesting characteristic. The scabbard is wrapped to match the handle. A half-moon Menuki is tied externally to the handle.

Sword 91 - This is a 1700's Wakisashi sword. The scabbard is beautifully dfesigned and decorated. The blade has been shortened.

Sword 96 - This is a 1700's Wakisashi sword. The Tsuba is nicely decorated.

Sword 101 - This is a Wakisashi sword produced for tourists. Made from bone.

Sword 119 - This is a Wakisashi sword from the mid 1800's. Very ornate fitting. STOLEN SWORD

Sword 125 - This is a Wakisashi sword from the mid 1800's. Made by Yoshisada.

Sword 126 - This is a Wakisashi sword from 1684 to 1888. Made by Tadayuki.

Sword 128 - This is a Wakisashi sword. Made by Terushige.

Sword 106 - This is a Wakisashi sword. Made by Hiroshige in 1688.

Sword 135 - This is a Wakisashi sword. Made in the 1700's.

Sword 141 - This is a Wakisashi sword. Made in the 1800's. Signature may be cut off.




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 length of the Tanto blade measures up to 12 inches. The following pictures show some examples of the Tanto knife.


Sword 30 - 1700's TANTO Sword. Mounted on wooden attire with a diamond in the handle which contains the pin. The blade has a beautuifully carved dragon. The tang has a single marking.

Sword 31 - 1800's era Samurai Tanto Sword. Mounted in traditional attire. The handle is wrapped in brown cloth. The tsuba is of the same era. With a dragon tachi.

Sword 32 - 1800's period Tanto Sword. The blade retains the original polish. The scabbard is adorned with a series of red flowers and a ribbed pattern. Finished in black lacquer.

Sword 48 - This is a Tanto knife housed in a wooden case. The scabbard section is marked with black Japanese characters. The blade has a carved Dragon.

Sword 64 - This is a Tanto knife. Mounted in a wooden storage container. A small leather strap is placed in the front.

Sword 87 - This is a letter opener in the shape of a Tanto knife. Mounted in a beautifully crafted scabbbard and handle. Small insects are placed in several areas.

Sword 112 - This is a very nice Tanto knife made by Gassan Sadakazu. The signature is found on the blade itself and not the tang.





While the swords displayed on this page may not be for sale, we have a large selection of Samurai swords in our store at MilitaryItems.com. Where we receive new items on a regular basis. We buy,sell and trade. If you have a sword you want to sell us or if you simply have questions about your sword, feel free to contact us.





 
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