WWII Japanese swords $$$???

[BigAl]

OK . I am left trying to figure out what a lot of this stuff is worth . My Father has a couple Japanese Officers swords from WWII . He was in the Pacific in WWII and took them off of Japanese soldiers . One is about 24 +" long and the other a bit shorter . I believe one has the sheath with it . Do these things have much value ???

 

[ninefinger]

May depend on the area but 3 or 4 years ago around Atlanta an "enlisted" sword with sheath in pretty nice shape would fetch close to $250. Look at the cutting edge of the blade and you should see ~~~~~~ . Not quite like that but you get the idea, that will speak to the quality of the blade. Handles must be in good shape.

 

[Bulldog1401]

But Al, be very careful in examining the cutting edge..just ask ninefinger

 

[Erik]

press out the bamboo pin on the handle so you can pull the grip off - if the tang is covered in what looks like dark, flaky rust, (forge scale) and there are japanese characters in the tang, it may be worth actual $$.

 

[ninefinger]

But Al, be very careful in examining the cutting edge..just ask ninefinger

Cheap shot.