Hi guys,

I need some help on the value of the following sword. A guy on the net is selling it, but I think he does not know anything about it. Neither do I for that matter, other than that I believe it to be a japanese navy sword of WW2. I want to make the guy a reasonable offer, but have no idea how much to offer him. This would be the first Japanees item I'am buying.
Hope you can help me.

PJ

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PJ,

The sword you show is indeed the standard Naval parade sword after circa 1914. It is regulation for junior and senior officers below flag rank. You should be careful with these swords however because my understanding is that they are still carried by Japanese Naval Officers. Because of that, I can't give you a price range. I would pay no more than what a currently made used sword of this type would sell for.

I hope this is helpful.

George

Wittman has one on his site.

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info.
I offered the guy 225 euro and he sold it to me. Don't know if that is reasonable, but I like it anyway. If its disappointing when I receive it in the mail I can always list in on e-ban.

Thanks for the tip.

PS is there anyway you can tell if its a current issue or a ww2 one? Is there a makers mark on the tang??

Look the sword over well and make certain it is not one of the current Chinese fakes. It does not look like one from the photos but it is hard to tell from photos. Examine the age on the sword and if it looks new it probably is. Look at the grip and if the wrap is synthetic it is postwar. Typically these swords have machine made blades without any markings. Look for markings on the habaki (collar) if it has one or on the ricasso of the blade near the guard if not. Also look on the guard itself for markings that may tell you where it was made.

I don't think you paid too much for a wartime Naval Officer sword. Good luck!

George

From the photo it looks like a rayskin or sharkskin grip which is good.

I got some more pics from the seller.
I think it might be wartime sword. Looks like rayskin and just has old feel to it. We will see when I get it in hand.