Nice condition, no damage to blade. Black with brown wooden inlay scabbard with two knives one on each side. Fu dog on end of handle. Blade has a lovely Hamon pattern. Blade is signed on both sides of handle as well the two small knives are signed on the back of each handle. A stag and doe emblem is on each side of scabbard about half way down.
From hand guard to tip 35", from handle to end of blade 48", in scabbard 50"
Dear Chris,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Based on the images and available information, this item is:
A Japanese Katana sword which was made in the 20th century. Such a traditional Japanese sword was used by the Japanese Imperial Army called Gunto swords and which was in use by the Imperial Japanese Army until 1945. Such weapons came with returning GIs after WWII in high numbers to American collections.
Wooden (dark colored) has a very good technique with fu dog or lion at the end of handle. Hamon pattern. Hamon (εζ, hamon) is a visible effect created on the blade by the hardening process.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 400 to 800 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.