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SAMURAI SWORD WWII KATANA - 14


The Samurai sword is one of the most sought after military antiques. Its popularity in the movies and television has helped propelled it into a popular icon. The strength, simplicity and beauty of the blade have made it a legend.

The item feature here is a WWII period Japanese Katana sword. Outfitted with the classical Japanese Imperial Army fittings. The scabbard is made of wood and covered in brown leather. This was a typical trademark of the military models. A single brass ring was located on one side. The purpose was to allow the soldier to secure the sword to the belt of the uniform. In reality this was not widely used. Soldiers would prefer to carry the sword the traditional way, through the belt towards the front.




The tang of this particular sword is not signed. Not all the swords were signed, even if they were hand made. A single hole is used to secure the blade to the handle. A wooden peg would be employed for this task. Some samples would have the arsenal marking stamp on the tang.



The handle wrapping is also consistent with the method used during WWII. The menuki is a representative sample of that used by the Japanese Army in WWII. Notice that the shark skin is receding, exposing a little of the wood of the handle.


The Tsuba is not typical of the ones used during WWII. This is an older sample. It is possible that the tsuba was changed by the original owner or after the war.







PRICING GUIDE INFORMATION
The following is an estimated value. Provided courtesy of MilitaryItems.com. The source for military antiques and collectibles.

Value (2006) $450.00
Availability (2006) Hard to find


 
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