Videos tagged with Antique Swords

This video delves into collecting WW2-era Japanese samurai swords, distinguishing between machine-made and handmade blades. Key identification points include the scabbard (Army vs. Navy Type 97), the Hamon (temper line), and Hada (steel grain). The tang's markings, such as the Army 'Star' or Navy 'Half-Chrysanthemum' stamps, indicate production quality and value. Condition is paramount for collector value, with prices ranging from $800 for machine-made to over $3,200 for high-quality handmade pieces.

This video announces the release of 'Swords of the Emperor: A Guide to the Identification of Imperial Japanese Swords, 1873–1945,' a new book by Headstamp Publishing. The book details the evolution of Japanese military, police, diplomatic, and court swords during a significant modernization period. It features over 600 pages with more than 2,000 original photographs and archival material, covering over 220 swords, including both traditional and machine-made examples. Written by prominent Japanese sword collector John E. Plimpton, the guide is intended for collectors, curators, and researchers, as well as enthusiasts interested in this under-studied area of Japanese swordmaking history.