Samurai Collection- Advice needed

[Splagt]

I have acquired several original Samurai blades over the years. All were brought back to this country by returning G.Is. The blades and mountings are original, not machine made. There are original inscriptions on several, and I have been able to identify one of the swordsmiths who created these beauties. Several have the military mountings, but one has the traditional mountings, the original wooden saya and pierced guard with some gold inletting.
Here's the problem: How does one go about obtaining a fair appraisal or a fair offer to sell such items? There are several individuals who advertise appraisal services and offers to purchase, but I'm reluctant to accept their word that the offer is fair.
Can anyone recommend a knowledgable individual who whom they have had a favorable transaction?

 

[tyler34]

there was a guy a few years ago selling old war era samurai swords at the indy 1500 that is about all I can think of. well I guess you could go to vegas and stop by the pawn shop from pawn stars, he knoes an expert for everything. also maybe the antiques road show if they are still around.

 

[cubby]

I have acquired several original Samurai blades over the years. All were brought back to this country by returning G.Is. The blades and mountings are original, not machine made. There are original inscriptions on several, and I have been able to identify one of the swordsmiths who created these beauties. Several have the military mountings, but one has the traditional mountings, the original wooden saya and pierced guard with some gold inletting.
Here's the problem: How does one go about obtaining a fair appraisal or a fair offer to sell such items? There are several individuals who advertise appraisal services and offers to purchase, but I'm reluctant to accept their word that the offer is fair.
Can anyone recommend a knowledgable individual who whom they have had a favorable transaction?

i would join a traditional sword forum and ask for help. or maybe call Rick Barrett in Bristol, Indiana. he is a MASTER sword maker. dude is a PIMP.

 

[tyler34]

this might help to.

Japanese Swords - SamuraiWiki

 

[mkelsey]

SBG Sword Forum - Home
Give the forums on there a try some serious collectors, makers and all around knowledgeable folks hanging around there that can point you in the right direction.


THE JAPANESE SWORD GUIDE
another good site if you are up for some searching around and comparing that will help you get a better idea of what you might have.

And good luck, Authentic Japanese swords (especially antiques) are worth a WHOLE LOT of $$.

 

[Flintlock]

I may try getting in touch with someone at Christy's, possibly. Even if they can't help with value, they may be able to point you in the right direction. You may even want to consider auctioning them with a large auction house when they have a high profile sale.

 

[dtkw]

Katana swords are very tough and strong. A good one is pretty $$$$ but there are some cheaper one, too.

 

[ATM]

Send a PM to INGO member Bushido Devil Dog. He seems very sword savvy and likely has some awesome contacts in the Japanese swordmaking realm.

 

[Bushido Devil Dog]

Thanks for the notification about this thread, ATM.

As he mentioned, I know a bit about Japanese blades. I live in Japan and I train in Mugai-ryu Iaido with this group, the Gyokufu-kai. The Kaicho (group head) of Gyokufu-kai runs a small sword shop. Through him, and possibly the owner of the shop where I bought my sword, I can try to get an assesment of the value of your blades. Can you post some pics of them? Not only would that add some much-needed sword porn to the site , it will make it easy for me to open this thread at the dojo and ask Sakaguchi-sensei to appraise them. The more pics the better, especially of the nakago (part of the blade that hilt/tsuka covers) and any defects, nicks, pitting, rust in/on the blade.

 

[Splagt]

An excellent suggestion, and a generous offer on your part, Aregato!
I will take individual pictures and post them of each blade. Perhaps you would consider offering some personal instruction to the group at large on some of the salient points of the blade. This might be a learning experience for us all.

Again, my thanks.
Splagt

 

[Bushido Devil Dog]

An excellent suggestion, and a generous offer on your part, Aregato!
I will take individual pictures and post them of each blade. Perhaps you would consider offering some personal instruction to the group at large on some of the salient points of the blade. This might be a learning experience for us all.

Again, my thanks.
Splagt

Post the pics, and I will pass on what info I can...