Can anyone tell me anything about these swords. I've had them stored away for several years. They were given to me by a friend. They are gorgeous and heavy. I cannot find a name/maker. Thought perhaps the markings in the photos would be helpful. I just do not know enough about them. Thanks in advance for any insight.
These are Japanese swords - Samurai Katanas.
The price depends from quality of steel.
"Today, blademiths in Japan and elsewhere continue to make katanas. Some even use the same tamahagane steel that was once used to make these swords several centuries ago. But there are also plenty of cheap, low-quality katanas of which you should be aware."
mas-swords.myshopify.com/
Japanese DRAGON Samurai KATANA Sword FULL TANG Sharp Blade 1060 Carbon Steel at AU $210 (approximative US $145.80)
My expertise is more in knives than swords, but I did have a couple low-priced swords as a teenager. While I'm certain the swords can be identified based on the marks on the blade (especially that coin-type medallion with what looks like urchins?), I could not find these specific marks in my Google searches.
However, there are a few things that are standing out to me. First & foremost, you mentioned having the swords "stored away for several years" -- the lack of any visible rust tells me these are likely stainless steel blades.
Next, the cord wraps on the hilts appear to be unevenly spaced and are possibly even fraying (or maybe that's just the photo?). Beneath the cord wrap, if I'm right, is a plastic handle with bumps on it to simulate ray skin.
The scabbards have brightly painted dragons, not designs in gold leaf or anything to that effect.
Are the swords sharp? I'm guessing they are not, though I can't really tell from the photos.
Did your friend have an extensive collection of knives or swords besides these? Did that friend talk about swords or knives frequently? Was that friend known for spending way too much money on swords or knives?
All these factors are pointing me in the direction of saying that these swords aren't something you could sell for much (especially if the answers to the last paragraph are "no").
Based on this information, my guess is that this set cost no more than $100 or $200 new, & possibly less.
Granted, I cannot make a positive identification of these swords, the photo of the set is blurry, & you did not include photos of the guard or the butt of the hilt. And I'm assuming you were looking for some assessment of valuation, though you could be looking for something else entirely. Regardless, I wish you luck on finding out more information!
Thank you Judy, it is a nice read on the history of swords.
I had a similar set several years ago and I took them to several Asian/Chinese/Japanese stores and restaurants and, surprisingly, several people supplied a lot of information.
You can try asking questions on some of these sites. I am not familiar with these but someone may be able to help.
www.militaria.co.za/
www.sword-buyers-guide.com/
sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/
www.bladesmithsforum.com/
You might also try asking for an appraisal but you will need several good pictures. Try several places. Someone will contact you and if they are valuable, they will provide an appraisal.
www.whatsellsbest.com/
You have a katana and a wakizashi.
Katana is a sword with a curved blade longer than 60.6 cm. There is no upper length limit but generally they are shorter than 90 cm.
As I understand it, you don't have certificates of authenticity. It is difficult to identify the Japanese samurai Sword by markings.
You need to determine if the steel is of high-quality. If it is stainless, it is almost certainly a modern reproduction designed to only be placed on a wall - it will have little value and will not hold an edge well, if at all. www.wikihow.com/
Read Japanese sword terminology:
www.tf.uni-kiel.de/
Post your question on this site:
www.reddit.com/
This gives you an idea of how much Samurai swords are selling for right now. This sword sold on 5.2.22 for $210: www.ebay.com/
www.ebay.com/
