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WWII JAPANESE ARMY KATANA SAMURAI SWORD - #15
The Katana was developed during the Momoyama period. It was designed to allow the Samurai to
fight from horse back. The length of the blade is typically over 24 inches up to around 30
inches.
This is a WWII Japanese Army Katana. The scabbard is of metal construction with a single ring for hanging
purposes. Painted with the Japanese Imperial army Brown color. The tip of the scabbard is capped with a
metal fitting bearing the chrysantemum symbol. The menuki is missing from the handle.
The top of the handle has a metal cap with an elongated hole. This is where the tassle would hang. This
sword is theclassical example of the type issued to the Japanese armed forces.
The tang of the sword has both, painted and inscribed markings. The painted marks usually indicate the
arsenal in which the sword was produced. Additional information may include date and maker. White paint
was the color most widely used for this purpose.
The hole in the tang allows the wooden peg to go through and secure the handle to the blade. It is said
that it was a common practice in the field to use a section of a chop-stick as a peg.
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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
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The following pictures illustrate some of the markings engraved on the tang. Information may include the date of
manufacture, the town or school and the name of the maker. It is important to note that not all swords were
signed. Usually the signature indicated that the swordsmith was satissfied with the quality of the blade.
The shape and size of the Tang can help determine the school who produced the blade.
The tsuba is typical of the one issued by the Japanese army in WWII. Of metal construction with a
flat design.
The tsuba bears the arsenal stamp. Not all tsubas were stamped. The Tsuba served dual purposes. one was purely
aesthetic, to adorn the sword as to make it more attractive. The second purpose was more practical. To
protect the hand of the warrior from an incoming strike.
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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