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WWII JAPANESE ARMY SAMURAI SWORD - KATANA - #4 - This sword is a fine example of a WWII era Katana which was machine produced. The fittings of the sword are typical of the Imperial Japanese Army. The Katana sword was developed during the Momoyama period. The main purpose was to allow the Samurai to fight from horse back. It's length is normally between 24" to 30".

Machine made Katana


The pictures left side picture below shows a military sword suspension loop. This sword was outfitted with a very plain hand guard (Tsuba), as depicted in the center picture below.
The picture on the right hand side displays a sword tip with a cherry blosom pattern.

The pictures that follow provide a closer look at the locking mechanism of the sword. These are the components which secure the blade to the scabbard.

The picture on the right shows the release button with a leaf design on either side of it.

The picture on the left shows a triangular shape opening which is where the blade slides through.



Sword suspension hardware tsuba (Hand guard) Tip of scabbard


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.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?
  1. FAQ's
  2. Samurai sword periods
  3. Samurai Swordsmith schools
  4. Samurai sword anatomy
  5. The Menuki
  6. The Tsuba
  7. The Samurai blade tip
  8. Reading the sword's signature
  9. Samurai sword care
  10. Identifying sword reproductions
  11. Ready to buy a sword


Locking mechanism Locking mechanism


The two pictures below depict two different areas where the arsenal markings were placed on the swords. The picture on the left has the marking stamp on the bottom far left side of the tang. The other picture shows a marking stamped on the top of the blade, near the starting point of the tang.



Arsenal marking - side of blade Arsenal marking - top of blade


Even though the blade was machine made, the tang of the sword has been signed. The signatures are etched into the tang itself as well as hand painted.



Painted signature - tang Two signatures on side of tang


This sword was built with a double-hole tang. However, most of the time only one peg was used to secure the blade. The picture on the right shows the wrapping material coming off the sword handle.



two holes in tang handle of sword


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 Price Guide identification guide. Where we cover Samurai swords from all periods.



PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION

The value for the Samurai sword and other military antiques and collectibles is provided as a means to educate the collector community and individuals who have a general interest on the field. The following is an estimated value. Prices may vary in every state and every country. This service is provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com. The source for military antiques and collectibles in the web.

Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Value $600.00 $700.00 $800.00 $900.00 $950.00
Availability Rare Rare Rare Rare Rare
Invest Grade B B B A A


While the item featured here is not for sale, similar items like it are available for purchase in our website MilitaryItems.com


 
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