Pinski1015
Member
GrandFather was in the Navy during WWII and brought back one of these swords. I have no plans to sell unless financial situation constitutes it but interested in what it might be worth.
Japanese Officer's Sword value?
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Condition, condition, condition.
Rusty swords with falling apart scabbards, grip wrap undone, chips on the blade from chopping wood, not going to be worth much.
You can look on ebay and see what the spot market is going for one. Look at sales price, condition, and whether it is a run of the mill sword or something special.
I paid $300.00 for this NCO sword, bought it off Harry Beckwith of Micanopy Florida.
And that is Harry, now deceased, holding the thing. He was making a growling noise as he pulled it out.
Rusty swords with falling apart scabbards, grip wrap undone, chips on the blade from chopping wood, not going to be worth much.
You can look on ebay and see what the spot market is going for one. Look at sales price, condition, and whether it is a run of the mill sword or something special.
I paid $300.00 for this NCO sword, bought it off Harry Beckwith of Micanopy Florida.
And that is Harry, now deceased, holding the thing. He was making a growling noise as he pulled it out.
Hamish
Member
Like Slamfire said, condition is key. If someone tried to sharpen it on a bench grinder, cut wood, or otherwise do damage, the value will decrease. The condition of the various parts all count too. One of the mass-produced officer's swords from WWII might be worth 300-500 dollars if it is in really good condition.
The real determination of value is the blade. While tens of thousands of blades and complete swords were stamped out in factories during the war, some Japanese soldiers (most likely officers) may have carried "family" blades into battle. These may have been reappointed with military handles, but the original blade could be worth a considerable sum - to the right buyer. Most likely that buyer would be the decendents of that same family in present-day Japan. Some of these blades may be several hundred years old.
The likelihood that you have one of these blades is very slim, but not impossible. Ideally, you should carefully remove the handle and guard to expose the tang of the naked blade. Any inscription embedded in the tang will help identify the sword maker. You will likely need a expert in Samurai swords to provide an accurate translation and history.
If it is one of the mass-produced officer's swords, you could get a few bucks for it from a collector. If by chance you have one of the historical blades, you should (in my opinion) only consider returning it to the Japanese - for a price. It would be dishonorable for you to just give it back, esp. if it was lost in battle. If it is a blade that may have been passed down in a family for many generations, I would return it to them for whatever price they offered. This would be the honorable thing to do. If the family happens to be Suzuki, Toshiba, or something similar you may do quite well.
Of course, right now the Japanese have other things to worry about. Have the blade identified, do some research, and then make a decision.
The real determination of value is the blade. While tens of thousands of blades and complete swords were stamped out in factories during the war, some Japanese soldiers (most likely officers) may have carried "family" blades into battle. These may have been reappointed with military handles, but the original blade could be worth a considerable sum - to the right buyer. Most likely that buyer would be the decendents of that same family in present-day Japan. Some of these blades may be several hundred years old.
The likelihood that you have one of these blades is very slim, but not impossible. Ideally, you should carefully remove the handle and guard to expose the tang of the naked blade. Any inscription embedded in the tang will help identify the sword maker. You will likely need a expert in Samurai swords to provide an accurate translation and history.
If it is one of the mass-produced officer's swords, you could get a few bucks for it from a collector. If by chance you have one of the historical blades, you should (in my opinion) only consider returning it to the Japanese - for a price. It would be dishonorable for you to just give it back, esp. if it was lost in battle. If it is a blade that may have been passed down in a family for many generations, I would return it to them for whatever price they offered. This would be the honorable thing to do. If the family happens to be Suzuki, Toshiba, or something similar you may do quite well.
Of course, right now the Japanese have other things to worry about. Have the blade identified, do some research, and then make a decision.
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Without some detailed pictures we can't be of any help.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Value could range from $50 bucks to many many thousands of dollars, depending on condition, but more importantly, the markings on the tang indicating when & who made the blade.
Officers swords may have been machine made in 1943 and GI issued, and have very little value unless pristine.
On the other hand, family swords could be handed down for generations and refitted with new handle parts and scabbards as needed, and carried in WWII by an officer.
If the blade itself was made & tang marked by one of the famous old masters, it could be worth more then it's weight in gold, no matter the condition.
rc
Officers swords may have been machine made in 1943 and GI issued, and have very little value unless pristine.
On the other hand, family swords could be handed down for generations and refitted with new handle parts and scabbards as needed, and carried in WWII by an officer.
If the blade itself was made & tang marked by one of the famous old masters, it could be worth more then it's weight in gold, no matter the condition.
rc
Limeyfellow
Member
I should try and do some photos of my Japanese swords. One is a standard NCO sword and the other is a family sword. One was taken off of Iwo Jima and the other is from the main land Japan's occupation by my uncle, so I am pretty confidant to not being fake. I could never sell them though. They are just far too nice in excellent condition.
Write down what history you have on your swords, on a tag for example, and hang them on the swords.
Because some day, some year, some one will be selling your swords and their past will be lost if the only history is verbal.
My NCO sword, it was part of history, it had a story. Now it is gone.
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