Collector's Guide to WWII and antique Japanese Samurai swords

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.	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.	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
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 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.

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.	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.	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

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.


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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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