Hi, I am newbie in Martial Art. I have a question, I have 2 japanese swords (katana and tanto) from middle XIX century. Very Nice Condition Swords, Nice Blades, Looks Great. I Was Told they are Worth About $700.00-800.00

I hope you can help me to find their real value. Please write to: Sturmgewehr44@windowslive.com and I will send photos.

First of all...Welcome to Karate Forums!

19th century katana swords, imho, are very rare and would be worth thousands...or if they're fakes....worthless. Nonetheless, if I were you, I'd have them appraised by someones who's extremely knowledgeable in this area/field.

Two ways to check validity or to know if it would be worth in finding an answer to your question: A distinctive hamon as well as the smith's signature on the tang within the handles, together, these will help an expert identify and value them properly.

I wish I could have helped you more.

I don't know where you are located, but you might want to contact Tatsuhiko Konno at the following website. He is an iaido sensei in the Seattle, Wa (USA) area, and is a reknowned expert in polishing and appraising fine Japanese swords. I am sure he can give you information on what you've got.

http://www.japaneseartswords.com/about

Good luck!

Hi, I am newbie in Martial Art. I have a question, I have 2 japanese swords (katana and tanto) from middle XIX century. Very Nice Condition Swords, Nice Blades, Looks Great. I Was Told they are Worth About $700.00-800.00

I hope you can help me to find their real value. Please write to: Sturmgewehr44@windowslive.com and I will send photos.

If they are real 19th centuary swords. they would be really cheap for $800. please post some pics, we can take a look and determine they are fake or now. ( but 100% can't tell without touching and feeling it, but can guess:))

I'd look for an antique dealer if I were you, ideally interested in weapons or japanese items.

Not trying to hi-jack the thread, but since we are discussing swords I have a couple about which I know absolutely nothing. Picked them up years ago when such things were cheap (I have $195 invested in all 3).

One is a katana and the the other 2 are shorter. The long one and one short one have writing on the tangs and the other has characters on the tsuba (diagrammed in a photo).

They are in poor condition. One has been polished on a wheel and the others show wear and damage. I have photos of 2 of them.

Any comments or observations welcomed.

http://www.fototime.com/BE7DD475544C4CA/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/6653453B9B48B59/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/9F34A763AD8D463/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/A5EB9AE467FD222/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/32216C54233899B/standard.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/14514708120D422/standard.jpg

Polishing is typically bad for most antiques where you would otherwise have patina or signs of age (like corrosion). I am not a collector of these so I can not provide you with anything definitive but good advise has already been provided in prior posts. Find an expert if you feel they truly are valuable and research before you attempt to treat or refurbish.