I have an old Japanese sword, who to talk to??

Question

I have an old japanese sword, a short ceramonial sword as it seems. It might actually be from Commodore Matthew Perry's historical mission in Japan in1853, considering my family's long involvement in the navy, admirals, commodores, captains, etc.. All this aside, my main question is who should i talk to about my sword.. I'd like to send pictures of it to people who know about the history and japanese swords so they can identify the age and it's importance if any.. any websites or emails would be awesome.. Thanks

Answer 1

I would also suggest contacting a museum (or a university even, if they have a history department), as there they might have knowledgeable curators, especially if there is a large Asian/Japanese collection. Write to them with your inquiry and include the pictures.
For example, the Royal Ontario Museum:
http://www.rom.on.ca/about/faqs/faqscoll.php

You can also try searching for some sort of art consultant(s), auctioneers/auction houses in addition to the antiques dealer(s), as it was suggested by someone.

Answer 2

First of all, any connection with Perry's expedition has to be documented to add any value. Given what you have said (viz., no direct, proven connection), it's more likely to be, like most of these, a WW II souvenir. Most of these are of little value (a few hundred dollars), but you just might have a treasure.

Accordingly, its value is dependant on two things: its maker's signature, and its condition. Condition is easy to spot, just take it out (without touching the metal!!! Oils from human skin produce rust spots amazingly quickly!) and look at it for signs of rust, nicks, gouges, etc.

The signature is another matter. If you know how to handle a Japanese blade, and can take the blade out of its handle to look at the tang, and know how to analyze Chinese characters, and can find and use the appropriate reference books, then have fun and look it up yourself. Otherwise, you should consult an expert.

Most antique dealers, like most university people, don't know anything about anything outside of their narrow field of specialization, so most of them would be less than no help at all (in that what they would tell you would probably be wrong and confusing). Some of the better museums (e. g. ROM, Toronto, or Museum of Fine Arts in Boston) have experts in these areas, as well as good reference libraries. Unfortunately some of these museums (e. g. MFA, see here:
http://www.mfa.org/about/index.asp?key=51 ) do not like to provide information to the public, so you will have to hope to get lucky and find someone who will be willing to help.

Most large cities have dealers in East Asian art,some of whom might be willing to help. If you have it appraised by a dealer, expect to pay a significant fee for the service.

If you send an email to someone you need to take a good photo, with lighting which shows the signature in detail. You also should dend a photo which shows the temper pattern on the blade, as it can help determine whether the signature is genuine; better signatures were routinely forged or altered.

Answer 3

Unless you have documentation it's not worth much. It could be from WW2 there were about two million of these made for all non Com's that made that grade.
A good sword was made from five types of hammered steel and welded in this manner, a good antiques dealer would know this, one whom deals with this.

I would put it up on E-Bay for auction, you'd get more bids then a private auction. Try and get it authenticated.

Answer 4

Antiques Roadshow!

Answer 5

you better keep it for your own sake, it might threaten your life if its a real one. It's a treasure of japan and until now they are seeking treasure all over the world like the Yamashita treasure. For your safety you better give it to the authority in your country and let them keep it for you.

Answer 6

is there an antiques dealer that is local to you that you can take a picture to and find its worth/history