What to pay and where to find? IJN Katana

[Der Texaner]

Greetings all,
Hopefully I'm not getting on anyone's nerves. I'm not a sword collector because I can't afford to be. As long as its all pre 1945 with original scabbard, the condition, maker or markings of the blade isn't important to me. Can someone give me an idea on what cost I'm looking at and perhaps a place to keep an eye out for one? I know nothing about swords so I'm staying away from ebay and I don't want to flood the forum with opinion threads. Thanks as always guys.

Joel

[Steve Flanagan]

Katana

Depending on how deep you are going to get into Japanese Sword collecting, I suggest you get a good reference book first. Very nice NCO non traditionally made swords will fetch $600 or so, Officer swords with nice but arsenal made blades start at $800 with a ton of fakes getting better and better out of China

[Der Texaner]

Thank you very much Steve. I don't plan on getting into swords, just want one to display with my other IJN material. Just a wartime issued NCO IJN is all I'm looking for, from rough to decent condition.

Regards,
Joel

[Rommel1933]

Hi Joel,

You mentioned that " As long as its all pre 1945 with original scabbard, the condition, maker or markings of the blade isn't important to me."

I believe you can get an authentic pre 1945 for a few hundred dollars... I will attach a link to mine that is only worth a few hundred dollars. In fact I have been told that the metal sword hanger is worth more than the sword. I did have this appraised and they said the blade was made in the 1600's by an unknown maker but it is only worth about $200.

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...d.php?t=541709

Just my two cents..

Thank you, Scott

[Der Texaner]

Thank you very much Scott. That is just about what I'm looking for. Any idea if yours is army or navy? Thank you very much.

Regards,
Joel

[Rommel1933]

The guy I got it from said it was navy but I don't know for sure... I believe that this "Informal" scabbard was used by the army during operations...

I see you are in Texas... You may want to check w/ Collectors Firearms in Houston.

Thank you, Scott

[Stu W]

Hi Joel,

As time permits have a look here.

http://www.h4.dion.ne.jp/~t-ohmura/gunto_002.htm

This will show you some basic differences between Navy, that you asked about, and Army. You will note that there is no NCO Navy whereas there is an NCO Army.

Also, there is a great reference book on Military swords. I'll add a link and a pic.

http://www.satcho.com/home.htm

When you open the site click on Reference section at left.

[Der Texaner]

THanks Stu and others. The longer I'm a member of these forums the more I learn, but realize how little I actually know. lol

[Stu W]

THanks Stu and others. The longer I'm a member of these forums the more I learn, but realize how little I actually know. lol

Knowing how little you know, to use your words, is actually very valuable information. It will ensure you don't rush in where angels fear to tread.

Compare the relative traits of Kai-gunto (Navy) vs. Shin-gunto (Army) and get a feel for what catches your eye. Usual Army will be cheaper than Navy and Army NCO Type 95 will be the least expensive within the Army group. Frankly, that's where I would go if I were you. When found salty, as I know you like them, they can be had for a few hundred USD. Because they are metal and clean easily with a rag you can actually give them a swing around the room on occasion without risking anything other than a lamp or two and your wife's wrath.

Regards,
Stu

[Stu W]

Here's some Type 95's to give you an idea of what they look like.

Regards,
Stu

[gunto]

Hi Joel


Yes, there its lots to learn ,I love that part of collecting.
Its like drugsFor me

[Der Texaner]

Stu, thank you very much for taking the time to post those pictures for me, I do appreciate it and will use them. I'm hoping one will eventually show up on the e-stand and I can get you guys to give it a thumbs up or you guys might even run across one. Thanks again for the pictures.

Regards,
Joel

P.S. gutno, it is fun learning. I'm now trying to figure out (anyone feel free to help me! ) why some Officer's tunics and buttons and others don't, along with different insignia on IJN Officer's visor caps. There seems to be s simpler one out there I didn't know about, looks like an anchor badge. Anyone tell me why the difference?

Thanks,
Joel

[William Eledge]

Here's some Type 95's to give you an idea of what they look like.

Regards,
Stu

If not too personal, can you please tell me what typical retail price of NCO swords like that in that good a condition would be?? And thanks for a very informative thread.
Thanks, Bill

[NLF]

really nice - minty ncos can go from 700-1200 depending on who wants it at what time and the venue

[William Eledge]

really nice - minty ncos can go from 700-1200 depending on who wants it at what time and the venue

Thanks!! Any of those would be a pleasure to own.