RW-Maryland

Oh boy - I don't think I would want to tackle trying to undress that sword. I understand though. Thanks so much for your insight! I will look to visit a show and have it looked at....

Great information - thank you so much! I think I will plan on the Baltimore show next year - we are in western MD near Pittsburgh. @Ray Singer - I have zero frame of reference - based on what you shared, and only going from pictures, what kind of range would we be talking about for value? 100's? 1000's? I will definitely plan on bringing to that show.

I was told by one of the many "experts" over the years that this sword would never have been allowed to leave Japan and would be considered a national treasure. Color me skeptical of course. I know there are only a few legit sources for appraising a sword of any value and I expect most if not all are in Japan....

Characters on back of knife handle

knife close up on characters on blade

knife in sheath in scabbard

More photos

More photos

More photos

More photos

Thanks so much to everyone for such a quick and comprehensive response! I went and took some photos and closeups - let me know your thoughts. Looks like it will have to be several posts to get all the pics. The sword has a small knife in sheath in the scabbard with a shrimp for the end of the handle... someone had told me they thought it was from a fishing town or on the coast.

Hello, I am trying to find out where to get a trustworthy appraisal for a Japanese sword. This sword was given to my father after World War II. He was a provost marshal in Japan and commanded a Japanese regiment. Upon his departure they gifted him this sword. It is a wakazashi - and came with a documented history - I have no idea what it contains but I am looking to find someone to translate it. I am told the sword is 400+ years old. It is in pristine condition - I am considering putting it on the market depending on what the findings are. I am attaching the history - thanks in advance for any advice on where to turn for this! /Roland Weeks 1_SamuraiSword_History.pdf