Samurai sword Questions

[scotty1418]

Hello,

I came across a local seller today with 2 samurai swords for sale. 1 seemed like the typical ww2 issues with brown/green scabbard and the takedown button etc. 2 problems - the blade had erosion all over that might clean up a little, and the tsuba was completely slided away on 1 of the flat sides!

Apparently someone wanted the pair to fit neatly on the wall as the other had the same modification.

The 2nd seemed to be of very low quality and made me think trainer or post-war souvenir? It didn't have any of the wood plugs that hold the handle onto the tang. Since I slide the handle off trying to take the sword out of the scabbard, I didnt see any tang markings either. Also it didn't have the takedown button. The cheap scabbard also seemed to be splitting.

The 1st seems interesting at the right price, but does the 2nd make sense to anyone, or does it just sound like junk?

Thanks!
Scott

[Death-Ace]

Hmm...

Sounds like a low ranking samurai's sword. How long is it? Without pics, I can't really say anything...makes me feel more blind than I already am >_<. Hopefully one of the other guys can tell ya somethin'!

How much does the guy want, may I ask?

Blue skies of Warthogs,
Lev

[scotty1418]

The guy doesn't have asking prices set yet. I was there to buy a German badge lot and asked what else he had.

They've been sitting in his basement for a few years, and in an old neighbors house for even more years.

Unfortunately I didn't take measurements for either but could get them from the seller.

Here are a few camera pics - the first 2 are the nicer sword. The 2nd is of the pattern of the scabbard on the 2nd cheap one. The 2nd pic helps demonstrate where someone unfortunately hacked away at the handguard.

[Death-Ace]

Don't be mean be they're kinda grainy. Still, I can't say I'm a master photograper, either!

But I can still make out some details. The first sword does look like a good one to start out with, though it's still ahrd to make out anything on the blade, unfortunately. The handle though, the wrapping could be original, but I'm not sure. If anyone else can tell ya anything and if you can get it fer a "steal," then I'd say, whip out yer wallet, slam down some money and run off with it if it's worth it!

But the third pic, I can't tell anything, sorry to say. Hope you're able to work something out and that you have some "sleepers" by then!

[Budo45]

the last pix dont tell us much, I do think the saya looks old as in a samurai mount, I hope it wasnt a older tsuba on it. more pix are in order with better light.

[scotty1418]

I forgot to add, the 3rd pic is to demonstrate the pattern of paint/paper wrapping on the scabbard for the cheaper sword.

I was curious if anyone had seen this pattern before?

Is anyone familiar with my description of the 'cheaper' sword fitting any sort of ww2 production?

I'm working on getting better pictures for the resident experts. I have to admit I wasn't prepared for swords when I met the seller.

[scotty1418]

More pics!

You can see the handguard cut, but what doesn't come out too much is the rough shape of the blade. Slight 'rust dusting' on the scabbard which should clean up without much problem.

Does anyone have more information on these or an idea of value in the current state?

[scotty1418]

Not trying to push, but might any of our sword experts be able to give me some guidance on this?

I'm unsure what would be a fair price with the tsuba slightly hacked and a rough blade?

I figure it could be good for a 'starter sword'

[Budo45]

ya really need to know who signed it, bottom pix second full dimond show the peg hole, other side may be where the wrap crosses, wood chop stick should push it thru.

[scotty1418]

The sword is still with the seller who is waiting for me to make an offer - I'd be happy to take a look at the tang once it's in my possession, but don't really feel comfortable doing this myself yet, or asking him to unless we reach a deal.

Does this look OK for a wartime piece?

[Budo45]

Sure, its a real war relic, to bad about the tsuba but they come around at times, get a discount because of it being cut.