War is never welcome, yet conflict has shaped human history. Long before gunpowder and explosives, battles were fought with swords, daggers and polearms. Many antique blades survive today as prized collectors’ items, some more than six centuries old. Which of these historic weapons would you have carried into battle?
33. 19th-Century American Eagle Head Officer Pommel Sword
online_gsale
Value: $1,999.99
Summary: From a military antique collector’s estate, this 19th-century officer’s sword shows age but limited wear, making it a desirable piece. The etched blade remains visible and the leather scabbard, though cracked in places, still feels supple. At 35.5 inches total, it was likely intended for two-handed use.
32. Custom-Made British m1796 Sword
pyrate8
Value: $2,000
Summary: A rare example of the British 1796 cavalry sword, this specimen features a Damascus steel blade—far tougher than many contemporaneous steels. The blade measures 33 inches, with a total length around 39.5 inches. Preserved in very good condition, it could still be sharpened and used.
31. Indo-Persian Double End Blade Sword
bleeding_gums
Value: $2,170
Summary: Dating to the 1700s or earlier, this Indo-Persian double-ended sword bears hallmarks on both faces of the blade. The crossguards end with tiger details; otherwise the piece is restrained in decoration. It measures about 38.25 inches and is in excellent condition, although it lacks its scabbard.
30. American Civil War Confederate Officer Sword
consignments-with-us
Value: $2,196
Summary: An American Civil War Confederate officer’s sword, this piece features an ornate cavalry blade, brass hilt, leather grip and a custom iron scabbard. The original owner is unknown, but it remains an important historical artifact.
29. Antique Islamic Dagger
silverapple
Value: $2,195.60
Summary: A 19th-century dagger likely from northern India or central Asia, this lightweight weapon has a thin, sharply pointed blade. The grip is assembled from cattle bone panels riveted together and the sheath is fine leather. Its condition suggests little, if any, active use.
28. Antique Figural Romantic Dagger
silverapple
Value: $2,245
Summary: Crafted in Toledo, Spain, in 1868, this figural dagger features an intricate decoration along the blade and a bronze hilt with modeled figures. Its brown leather sheath remains matched to the piece. Although the blade is only about six inches, its artistry and condition make it notable.
27. World War II Russian Parade Sword
consignments-with-us
Value: $2,425
Summary: A fully nickel-plated Russian parade sword intended for ceremonial use rather than combat. Its gleaming 32-inch blade and polished fittings made it suitable for military dress and formal occasions.
21. Chinese Imperial Qing Jian Sword (Tie)
wa-5103
Value: $2,500
Summary: This Qing dynasty jian shows clear signs of age—tarnish, a loose pommel fitting and wear on the scabbard—but carries a Qianlong mark, tying it to the imperial period. Its value lies more in historical provenance than pristine appearance.
21. German World War I Model 1860 Sword (Tie)
hennadiy2006
Value: $2,500
Summary: An 1860 German bayonet used through World War I. With a blade under 20 inches, it was crafted for one-handed use and could be restored with some care. The scabbard no longer fits perfectly but the piece remains desirable to collectors.
21. Scottish Claymore Highland Sword (Tie)
highiqinny
Value: $2,500
Summary: A substantial Scottish Highland claymore measuring 36.5 inches, featuring an original, unrestored blade and a handmade leather grip. The scabbard’s black-brown leather complements the hilt, while the blade’s aged patina enhances its character.
21. Nicholas II Russian Shashka Sword (Tie)
gtm11c
Value: $2,500
Summary: Made in 1903 at the Zlatoust factory, this shashka displays several blade markings and a ribbed hilt. Both blade and dark-brown leather scabbard were in excellent condition at sale.
21. 18-Century Austrian Hungarian Polish Collapsible Guard Cavalry Sword (Tie)
hennadiy2006
Value: $2,500
Summary: Likely made in 18th-century Poland, this 33-inch cavalry sword features extensive blade engraving and a solid metal scabbard that increases its collector value.
21. Old Chinese 19-Century Polearm (Tie)
boubousse
Value: $2,500
Summary: A rare 19th-century Chinese polearm with a blade nearly 40 inches long (excluding the hilt). Its large, curved form and ornate guard make it a standout piece for military collectors.
20. British German Officer Cavalry Sword
rawicz55
Value: $2,501
Summary: Made in 1788 for cavalry troopers and later used by a Hussar regiment, this 36-inch blade retains its original leather-covered scabbard. Its age and provenance add to its appeal.
19. Yemenite Silver Jambiya Dagger
smigallery
Value: $2,550
Summary: A finely decorated Yemeni jambiya, notable for its curved scabbard, heavy blade and elaborate silver filigree and wire inlays. Such ornate embellishments indicate a high-status owner.
18. Antique Japanese Katana
glen.thom
Value: $2,800
Summary: Forged in the 1620s by a master smith named Kanetomo, this katana bears his signature and accompanying inscriptions that record aspects of the blade’s history. Its cutting edge is about 27 inches, creating a balanced and easily handled sword with a compelling provenance.
17. Rare General Kyu Gunto Samurai Sword
sohei_swords
Value: $2,939.89
Summary: An officer’s sword from World War II, this piece features fullers down each side of the blade, intricate etchings and a tortoiseshell core in the handle—details befitting a high-ranking owner. Though unsigned, craftsmanship suggests an association with General Murata Tsuneyoshi’s experimental designs.
16. Polished Nagamitsu Japanese Sword
showa22
Value: $3,000
Summary: Signed by Nagamitsu, this World War II-era officer’s sword dates to the 1940s. Nagamitsu, known for teaching swordmaking to prisoners, produced finely forged, polished blades. This example is in near-mint condition with no metal pitting and includes a working lock mechanism.
15. 17th-Century Venetian Broadsword
jackedwardscollection
Value: $3,200
Summary: A large 17th-century Venetian broadsword with an ornate basket hilt. Measuring 34 inches in total with a four-inch guard, the basket is somewhat loose but collectors still valued the piece highly for its historical and aesthetic qualities.
13. World War II Japanese Officer’s Sword (Tie)
smallsword
Value: $3,500
Summary: Signed “Bizen Kuni Ju Norimitsu,” this smaller WWII-era katana has a clear temper line and a nearly flawless blade. Its condition suggests it was rarely, if ever, used, making it an excellent display sword.
13. World War II Signed Masatada Katana Sword (Tie)
smallsword
Value: $3,500
Summary: Made in 1943 by swordsmith Masatada for the Minatogawa Navy, this handmade katana includes a shark-skin scabbard and a near-perfect 25.5-inch blade with only minor nicks—qualities that attracted significant interest at auction.
12. Japanese Stork Samurai Sword
bleeding_gums
Value: $3,750
Summary: A compact 20.5-inch Japanese short sword from a long-held collection, featuring a silver guard signed by the maker, a shark-skin grip, and a scabbard embellished with gold and bronze—complete with embossed stork motifs on the handle.
11. Antique Polish Karabela Saber
eclecticmuseum
Value: $3,800
Summary: An 18th-century Polish karabela with a broad, single-edged curved blade and a signature karabela hilt secured by three steel rivets. Sold with its original wooden scabbard wrapped in hand-stitched leather, the piece reads as both weapon and artwork.
10. American Civil War Confederate Sword
zevantique
Value: $3,907
Summary: Produced in 1864, this Confederate sword features a decorative guard and a 33-inch blade. Known to collectors by the name “Hilt,” it reflects the design and craftsmanship typical of Civil War–era military swords.
9. Signed Katsumitsu Katana Long Blade
smallsword
Value: $3,995
Summary: A signed Japanese katana with a 28-inch blade and original scabbard. Signed, complete blades often command top prices at auction, and this example fetched nearly $4,000.
8. World War II Japanese Shin Gunto Katana Sword
sohei_swords
Value: $4,750
Summary: A Koto period blade attributed to Bishu Sukesada (1556) that later surfaced during WWII. Appraised as near-mint and accompanied by documentation confirming authenticity, this signed piece reflects use across centuries and preserved condition.
7. Russian Imperial Dragoon Saber Sword
lvs725
Value: $4,900
Summary: An 1881 Russian dragoon saber in pristine, unmarked condition. Although created for mounted infantry, this example appears never to have seen combat, making it highly desirable for collectors.
6. Antique Hiroshige Samurai Sword
prettyimpracticals
Value: $5,000
Summary: A used samurai sword circa the Kanei period (1624–1644), its 29.25-inch blade shows nicks consistent with historical combat. While attribution to Hiroshige is debated, the blade’s signs of use and age give the piece strong historical character.
5. Japanese 15th Century Katana Sword
hennadiy2006
Value: $5,100
Summary: Signed “Gassan Masamune” and dated to the 15th century, this heavy-bladed katana likely originates from the late 1400s. With a total length near 33 inches and a 24.5-inch blade, it ranks among the oldest, most collectible swords.
4. 18th Century Scottish Basket Hilted Broadsword
mona511
Value: $5,200
Summary: This 18th-century Scottish broadsword, complete with a wide blade and heavy hilt, evokes the era of Highland warfare and period drama. Despite tarnish, its historical presence attracted bids above $5,000.
3. Antique Polish or Hungarian Mace
eclecticmuseum
Value: $5,700
Summary: Although not a sword, this ornate mace—likely late 17th-century Polish—features a large bronze head and a wooden shaft wrapped in brass tape. Such ceremonial or officer’s weapons are prized for their craftsmanship and aged patina.
2. Antique Polish Saxon Sword
eclecticmuseum
Value: $6,500
Summary: Dated 1704 and made for a Polish-Saxon infantry officer, this double-edged sword features engraved decoration, a bronze hilt with a double-shelled guard and a grip bound in finely braided bronze wire. Its condition shows pitting consistent with age, and it’s museum-worthy.
1. Silver Antique Sword and Scabbard from Sri Lanka
glennsasi0
Value: $7,500
Summary: The most valuable piece featured here is a ceremonial sword from Sri Lanka, made in the early 1800s. Its hilt is lavishly adorned with silver and gold, and the scabbard is solid silver. Acquired in 1970, it later appeared in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s exhibition “The Jeweled Isle: Art from Sri Lanka.” Its craftsmanship and museum provenance make it a standout among antique arms.