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WWII JAPANESE ARMY SAMURAI SWORD - KATANA - #8 -
The Samurai sword is perhaps the most recognizable sword of all times. The legendary feats of
the Samurai warrior have helped romantizied the sword itself. Today, it's reputation as a weapon
and its beauty as a piece of arthas turned it into one of the most desirable military antiques
in the market.
The sword featured here is an example of late war production. The fittings are very plain and lack the
decor of fittings found in other swords. The handle is wrapped with the army issued olive drab cloth.
The scabbard is outfitted by a brown leather cover with two snaps that hold it secure.
The blade in this example has been polished to the point of removing the Hamon (edge design).
Some pitting and rust are also present. Fingerprint marks are a common blemish on swords. This
is why the blade should never be touched with bare hands.
The snaps on the brown leather cover is very representative of the manufacturing technique
used during WWII. Over time the leather shrinks and makes it very difficult to remove the
leather cover from the scabbard itself.
Some collectors recomend the use of leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and to
slow down its deterioration.
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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.
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The Tsuba is solid brass and of very plain construction. There are no patterns or markings
found in it. The throat of the scabbard is secure by a metal band. The Habaki is of copper
construction and it is not lined with any other material.
The Katana sword was first born during the Momoyama period. Its length is usually
between 24" to 30". The sword was initially developed for the purpose of allowing
the Samrai to fight from horse back. For that intent the sword had to be long
enough to provide reach and light enough to be held with a single hand.
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.
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