I've got WWII Jap. Swords - What do I do?

Rainmaker,

The first sword is without a doubt a model 1886 Cavalry sabre. Its a bounus for your Dad if the serial # that is at the bade of the blade matches the serial # at on the "tail" drag of the scabbard. The sabres were mass produced. Is there a small hole in the handguard? If so it was where a leather finger loop may have once been attached. According to Fuller and Gregory they state in their book Military Sword of Japan 1868-1945: "Although relatively scarce (??), this sword is not sought after because of its utilitarian, non-Japanese appearance." I don't agree with the statement, but that is what they choose to state in their book.
I once had a sword like that, and due to lack of money to pay a bill, like an idiot, I sold it. I wish I had not done that. Now I can't seem to get my hands on another I can afford. I see them on eBay a lot, but either I get outbid or they are too high priced. I'd rather invest more money into the one of the other Japanse styles.
Overall from what I can see in the pixs it appears to be a nice sword.
 
I would never have figured the Japanese for Cavalry Sabers, but then I've already said I'm not a sword guy. I'll tell you this much, if I had to pick one to repel boarders with it'd be that one. Nice, solid feel, especially since I finally grew up enough to hold it with one hand (hey, I've been looking at these guys for the last 40 years.)

You guys are doing a great job of helping me identify these, and I can't thank you enough. Bladedude, does the Fuller and Gregory book you mention give any approximations of value?

To rephrase that question, can anyone point me toward some historical sources that would help me pin these down some more?
 
Me again:D The Samurai style sword looks interesting. It reminds me of the one I have I left the questions about regarding another post I placed on here. From what I know of Japanese military swords (I know a bit more about them then the older traditional Samurai styles), it may be a late war peice. Meaning the hilt fittings may have been produced around mid 1944 to mid 1945. I'm not sure however. If the Japanease officer that carried that sword in combat was quite high ranking and or had the funds the hilt fittings may have been custom made. The minuki (the two peices behind the hilt wrappings) are standad Imperial Japanese Military issue. The hilt wrapping and color are also typical. A lot of early war fittings were often brass and copper.
The scabbard is missing the metal mouth peice as I'm sure you already may know.
As for the blade itself well.....my thought is it might be an older blade. Just a guess based on the pix. Then again it may be a typical wartime machine made blade without serial #'s or arsenal markings. From what I understand that would be somewhat unusual for a machine made blade. My Japanese Navy sword has arsenal marks but no serial #'s. Someone more versed in Japanese sword blades might would be more helpful to you then I.
VERY NICE SWORD! I hope I can aquire one like that one day soon.
 
I have one of those 1886 Cavalry sabers. I bought it a few years ago from the Cold Steel Special Projects.
It was described as a Chinese Cavalry saber and I believe I paid about 200 $ for it.
Mine came with a complicated leather piece with witch you could attach it to a belt.
 
I would E-mail these people. San Francisco Japanese Sword Society
http://hometown.aol.com/Sfkatana/index.html

I had a WWII Gunto apraised by them and I have also talked to them at gun shows. Their Web site has a lot of information regarding swords. The report they sent me covered the maker when he was born, where the sword was made etc. My sword had a signed tang on it which helped. Anyway they are very nice people and I would definatly give them a ring. You never know one of your swords might be worth several hundred thousand dollars.:D :D
 
Ha! That would be just my luck, because my dad would be just as adamant about keeping them as he is now....;)

Thanks for the pointer, Bors, I'll give that a shot this week and post the response.
 
Neat pics.

The blade on the Japanese sword could still potentially remain a variety of things. If you can examine the sword more closely or perhaps give us detailed pics of the steel surface and perhaps the tang, it could be easier to identify whether or not the blade is older, newer, mass-produced or handmade. For example...how old does the rust on the tang look? Is it stable or still fresh? Can you see welding patterns in the steel? Does the hamon ("temperline") turn back appropriately at the tip? Is the yokote (the line perpendicular to the edge that separates the tip from the rest of the blade) a real physical aspect or is it cosmetic? Examine the sides of the blade from the spine and other angles...how "clean" is the shaping apart from perhaps a poor condition polish? Does the tang have a signature carved into it or an emblem stamped onto it?

These aren't really "telltale" signs, but they can certainly help in verifying the blade's authenticity. Despite the fact that the fittings are from a particular era, the blade is the important part and may in fact be quite a bit older and higher quality.

I'm looking forward to how this turns out.

Addendum: If you're in CO, you may want to try the Colorado Token Kai. There are probably quite a few people who would be willing to help ya in person. Try cotokenkai@uswestmail.net to find when a meeting is or if there's anyone in your area.
 
Rainmaker, sorry about the looooooonng delay in responding back. Its been a very busy week for me and a rather tireing one at that. its hard to stay up later into the night the last few weeks like I'm used to doing. Its really wacked out. I'm anight person but find myself getting sleepy aroud 11:30 and waking up at 6:30 am. Very weird!!!
Anyways, The typical Calvary sabe runs between $75.00 and $250.00 with the average rate between $100.00 and $175.00 depending upon condition and such. I have heard of some going for as low as $35.00. I'm sure that is every sword collectors dream, finding a good authentic sword for $35.00. The Cav. sabre I purchased a few years ago I got for $85.00 and later sold it (as mentioned before) for $100.00. I made a 15 buck profit.
The Gunto (Japanese military sword of the Samurai style) values can vary greatly depending upon condition, if it is complete or incomplete and what type or era blade it has. The most important part of the gunto sword is the blade. That can make or break the value of the sword. No pun intended. Is the blade machine made? Is it hand made? Is it a blade forged in the 1400's or 1930's? Is the tang signed? What color is the tang? Is the blade damaged? Is it rusty or pitted? Is the blade dull with tarnish or bright? Etc., etc. These are just some examples of the basics one need to consider or know about their gunto blade. the same in some ways can be applied to the fittings and scabbard. Are they complete? Is the hilt wrappings loose, torn, missing or complete? Are the fittings heavly tarnished? Are there any hilt or scabbard peices missing? What type are they? Is the scabbard cracked? Worn out? Does the scabbard have a leather cover? Are the fittings Japanese Army, Navy, Marines or Civilian stlye? Etc., etc. All of this will affect the value ot the sword. I've herd of them selling for as little as $50, (MAN, I WISH I COULD FIND A GOOD ONE FOR THAT!!!) and well up into the thousands of dollars. Ebay is a good place to look at photos of Japanese swords up for bidding. However, don't go to eBay and use the prices there as a reference guide. The selling and winning bid prices can well be over inflated due to the fact eBay is an auction site and many people (but not all) tend to become greedy, selfish and or carried away with bidding.
Richard Steins website may be of help to you. Try it at: Japanesesword@homestead.com/files/nihonto.htm
Where are you in Florida? There are often sword or Gunshows in Florida where there will be people that can help you more then I. I'm still willing to help you where I might can, I'm just rying to consider other means of help for you and you Dad as well.:cool:
 
Thanks, guys, for the help.
Looks like it will be Sunday before I can do anymore digging (gotta love kids :)), but I will certainly keep you posted on what I find out. In the meantime, please (!) keep your suggestions and pointers coming!
 
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