Swords found in an attic

[Clramire73]

I purchased the home of a gentleman that once served in WWII. As we began to update and restore the attic we found a compartment (well made area tucked away in the floorboards) with two katana swords and one bayonet rifle. Based on the information that I have read I believe that perhaps these swords are from someone in Japan. I would like to know if they are real. I would also like to know the value if any. I currently reside in the Philadelphia area and I tried to find someone local to help me with this but I am having no such luck.  Can you please advise me as to what steps I can take to find out some history regarding these katanas.  Below are some pictures regarding my findings.

[Ray Singer]

I believe the mei is Yamashiro (no) Suke Moritake (山城介盛武), and the date is 慶應三年八月日 (a day in the 8th month of 1857 - Keiō 3). 

 

Best regards,

Ray

[Ray Singer]

I see that this same sword was posted here in 2018 (and the same photos of the nakago, rotated).
 

 

[John C]

2 hours ago, Clramire73 said:

rifle.

I believe the rifle is also Japanese; a type 99 Arisaka from WW2.

 

John C.

[Bruce Pennington]

Should we call you C or Luna?  We use first names here at NMB (website rule), plus we just enjoy talking with real people! 

 

I see a second sword, in shirasaya (the light brown all wooden case).  Would you like to remove the handle on that one, so we can take a look as well?

 

Basic market value for swords starts around $900-1,200 USD and goes up, depending upon condition, popularity of a smith, style and look of the blade, etc.  The Moritake blade looks like it had a fair layer of rust, but probably not bad.  If you can get a close-up showing a section of the hamon (temper pattern), it might help in getting more specific on value.

[Brian]

Both genuine, and both look worth preserving and researching. Both appear to be older than WW2, and values maybe a bit higher than the entry levels that Bruce mentioned. Do we have anyone out that way that can take a look?

[Conway S]

There’s the Baltimore antique arms show this weekend. There will be a few members from the forum set up there. 
 

https://www.baltimoreshow.com 

 

The MAX show is in York, PA, in September. Also will have dealers who can assess your swords in person.

 

http://www.sosovms.com/the-MAX-Show/

[Clramire73]

On 3/16/2026 at 4:41 PM, Ray Singer said:

I see that this same sword was posted here in 2018 (and the same photos of the nakago, rotated).
 

 

Wow.. I guess my son did post it 8 yrs ago..  but he didnt mention or tell me about the responses. I have since moved from Texas to Pennsylvania. I found the in my stuff and I figured I would get more info on them..  I greatly appreciate your help!!!

[Clramire73]

5 hours ago, Conway S said:

There’s the Baltimore antique arms show this weekend. There will be a few members from the forum set up there. 
 

https://www.baltimoreshow.com 

 

The MAX show is in York, PA, in September. Also will have dealers who can assess your swords in person.

 

http://www.sosovms.com/the-MAX-Show/

Thank you greatly I will mark my calendar.

[Clramire73]

8 hours ago, Bruce Pennington said:

Should we call you C or Luna?  We use first names here at NMB (website rule), plus we just enjoy talking with real people! 

 

I see a second sword, in shirasaya (the light brown all wooden case).  Would you like to remove the handle on that one, so we can take a look as well?

 

Basic market value for swords starts around $900-1,200 USD and goes up, depending upon condition, popularity of a smith, style and look of the blade, etc.  The Moritake blade looks like it had a fair layer of rust, but probably not bad.  If you can get a close-up showing a section of the hamon (temper pattern), it might help in getting more specific on value.

Hi Bruce you can call me Luna... thats my middle name. I believe the light brown is the one that has the markings on the sword in the pictures...I took the pictures a while back so im not sure.  I have them wrapped and well covered so I would have to unwrap them to double check.