Japanese Long Sword
Sword brought from Japan after WWII. Tag says it is 450-500 years old. Tip to hilt is 26"; hilt is 9 1/2"; total length 35 1/2". Blade is 1" wide. Hilt is 1 1/4" wide; crossguard is 3 1/4" wide; crossgaurd is loose. Scabbard is 28 1/2" long and 1 3/4" wide.
Owned by WWII vet
Inherited
No
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the apprisal.
The presented object appears to be a Japanese sword an katana with a total length of 35 1/2". This katana comes with a wooden scabbard and a note which states the age of 450 to 500 years. The surface of the blade is scratched and the tip was broken off. Parts of the hilt are missing and just the tsuba, the handguard is still in place. Other parts and the blade have rust stains so an analysis of the quality of the steel itself and details like the hamon is not possible. Most possible this sword should be classified as Shintō (新刀 "new swords" 1596–1780) or younger.
This piece is in bad to medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 300 to 600 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
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