Help with Swords

[tonyk]

Hello, I have the opportunity to aquire these swords from a friend. From what research I have done they all seem to be war time manufactured. The Wakizashi seems to have the "black" rust? I was hoping to identify if there is anything special with any of these swords. I also need a reasonable price for each so we remain friends. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Here is # 1 & # 2

 

[moss]

Hello Tony,

No pictures or link has appeared.

 

Cheers Moss

[tonyk]

#3 (has a seki sticker on the saya) & #4

 

[tonyk]

Here are the lengths for cutting edge and overall

#1 29.25 40.50

#2 26.00 36.75

#3 23.50 34.75

#4 20.75 31.25

[george trotter]

Hi Tony, can't help you with price, but here is some advice.

From top to bottom these are, from the pics, and as my opinion only...

1.Chinese copy...don't buy.

2. WWII military sword by Fukumoto Kanemune...well known military maker...reasonable condition...possibly buy.

3. WWII military sword by Yoshida (something) yuki...can't find this maker, but looks best in condition, maybe buy just this one.

4. Old traditional made wakizashi...the nihonto purists would say this is the only one worth anything, but that is up to you...not much to say from the pics on this.

Regards,

George.

[Stephen]

George is spot on, on the lot,

# 3 does have the Seki cutlery stamp on the saya,

mass produced blades for the war,

dont have F&G anymore bit about it in there.

[tonyk]

Thank you for the info. Is the signiature on #3 insignificant (or woth finding out) since it is a mass produced blade? Forgive my ignorance but what does F&G mean?

[Stephen]

Japanese Military and Civil Swords and Dirks by Fuller & Gregory

 

A MUST have book for those interested in Japanese military swords of the Showa Era.

[Mark]

if youwant prices i would think as follows:

 

#1 $20-50

#2, 3, 4 $400-700 each

 

without seeing them in hand iy seems $1500 might be a fair price for both parties

[tonyk]

Thank you, this has been very helpful.

[george trotter]

The signature on the #3 sword possibly says Yoshida Toshiyuki...the "Toshi" is usually said as "nen" and means "year" (as in dates), but can be said "Toshi" when used in a name. I don't know if I'm correct here and I can find no swordsmith of that name.

George.