19th Century Samurai Bronze Sword in Signed Highly Decorative Bone Carved Sheath
As photographed, it measures approximately 64" long (in sheath). The scabbard is 47" long, the blade is 28" long. Some of the scenes on the sheath are warriors with swords, samurai warrior scenes, warriors with horses, dragons, birds, floral motifs. There are approximately 10 age cracks and five very small places missing. I wrote your firm about this piece under separate cover. If you cannot discern the maker's mark on it, we do not wish to have the item appraised. Discerning this mark is the most important part of the appraisal for us. Thanks very much.
Purchased at an estate auction - no other provenance.
Other
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Thank you for submitting your item for appraisal. This appears to be a late Meji era export Katana, steel blade, ornately carved bone handle and scabbard showing scenes of warriors, etc. signed "shiny precious ball" or "shiny jewel" ε η hikaritama. These swords were made for export to western countries. Such swords are being offered at auctions on a regular basis, ususally selling in the low hundreds. The japanese long sword in your possession is one of the better quality which should justify the estimate as listed above.
