Owning a handmade traditional Japanese sword connects you to Japanese history and culture. The expertise and precision with which these swords are made makes them prized possessions for seasoned collectors and novices alike. This article will go over examples of the most expensive Japanese sword ever, and about the costlier types of Japanese swords available to collectors today.
What Is the Single Most Expensive Japanese Sword?
Rare swords such as the traditional Japanese katana, can be difficult to come by. Most of them have been classified as important cultural assets or national treasures. They cannot be transported out of the country, and the government of Japan can purchase them at market value when they are made available for sale.
In 1992, part of Dr. Walter Ames Compten’s collection of katanaKATANA 刀 "sword" learn more... swords from the 1930s went up for sale. The first 1,100 swords of his collection sold for over 8 million dollars in a single day. One of the swords, which had a Kamakura blade from the 13th century, was (as of this writing) the last traditional katana to appear at a public auction. A European buyer purchased it for $418,000 making it the most expensive Japanese sword in the world.
That’s just from the market, though. Even more valuable swords that are housed in museums and institutions are probably worth millions. Some of the most valued Japanese swords have been missing in action since World War II. Considered to be one of the best swords ever made, the Honjo Masamune was passed down through the generations and honored as an official National Treasure of Japan before it went missing after the war.
Crafted by Masamune during the Kamakura period, the Honjo Masamune was owned for generations by the Tokugawa family. It disappeared at the end of World War II when the family turned it over to the Americans who decreed that all weapons, including samurai swords that were family heirlooms, be relinquished.
However, there are a few Masamune blades that have turned up and are currently housed in museums and collections. The Shimazu Masamune is at the Kyoto National Museum. Another Masamune is at the Truman Library in Independence, Missouri. This sword was a gift presented to President Truman by General Walter Krueger, who had received it from a Japanese family as a condition of surrender. There is also a Masamune in the Museum der Stadt Steyr in Austria, and others are owned by private citizens in Japan.
Costlier Types of Japanese Swords for Regular Collectors
While you are not likely to get your hands on a Masumane or an antique Japanese sword with a 13th century blade, there are still many expensive Japanese swords you might be able to add to your collection.
The price of a Japanese sword depends on a variety of factors. These include the swordsmith’s reputation, the sword’s heritage, the blade’s quality and condition, and whether or not the blade is signed. Buyers also look at when it was made and the quality of the mounting pieces. Engravings on a samurai sword will increase its value.
A katana sword, the most famous and sought-after type of Japanese sword, will have a starting price of $4,000 if it is made in Japan, but they can cost much more. The average price for a recent katana made in Japan is $6,000 to $8,000.
An authentic Japanese katana that is made in Japan can cost as much as $12,000 to $25,000. When investing such a large sum, you will want to be sure that you know what you are going to receive. It is especially important to find out for certain where the sword was actually made.
While the katana is the most familiar and popular of the Japanese samurai swords, there are many other types of Japanese swords that are quite valuable. Tachi, which are curved long swords worn edge-down and hung on a belt cord, cost about the same amount as katanas.
Other types of swords include the tantoTANTO 短刀 "short sword" learn more..., a small dagger carried by both men and women, and the Japanese short sword wakizashiWAKIZASHI 脇差 or 脇指 "medium-length sword" learn more.... These are generally less expensive than a katana or a tachi. A complete set of the three classic samurai swords – including a katana, wakizashi, and tanto – can be worth as much as $10,000.
World War II Japanese Swords
The over one million WW2 Japanese swords that are believed to have made their way to the U.S. are very highly valued. To determine their worth, you will need to research their history. Japanese sword appraisers are especially knowledgeable and equipped to help you with this.
The four types of Japanese officer swords used by the Army and Navy are the kyuguntoKYUGUNTO 旧軍刀 "old military sword" learn more..., the kaiguntoKAIGUNTO 海軍刀 "Navy military sword" learn more..., the shinguntoSHINGUNTO 新軍刀 "new military sword" learn more..., and the NCO (non-commissioned officer) shingunto. The value of these swords depends on whether they were made by hand or by machine, and their condition. They can cost anywhere from $300 to over $2,000.
Most Expensive Japanese Sword of Modern Times
With a few hundred swordsmiths and about 22 masters still making swords in Japan today, collectors can also purchase modern swords that are of high quality and value. Only two long or three short swords can be produced by each swordsmith per year, which helps to maintain the quality and standards. Although less expensive than classic swords, they are still worthwhile investments and will make good additions to your collection.
Caring for A Costly Sword
Having bought the most expensive Japanese sword you’re ever going to get, you’ll need to care for it. Since you are investing a large amount of money you should be especially attentive to this maintenance. A sword that has not been maintained properly is prone to deterioration, which will cause it to lose some its value.
Here are a few simple tips:
- Don’t try to sharpen your own sword. Unless you know what you are doing, it is better to leave this to professionals.
- A sword maintenance kit is useful and highly recommended.
- Finally, use only polishers and oils that are designed specifically for a katana blade.
Final Thoughts
Imagining what it would be like to own – or even to just hold for a few minutes – the most expensive Japanese sword is thrilling. Collecting upscale Japanese swords is a rewarding hobby. Depending on the sword type and its condition, Japanese swords can be quite costly. Although you might never be able to find, much less afford, one of the most expensive Japanese swords on record, if you save your pennies, you’ll eventually be able to add some valuable and unique swords to your collection.