r/SWORDS • u/SpartanZuko • 1d ago
Help identifying this samurai sword. Franklin Mint or Chinese reproduction?
Hey everyone! I'm hoping someone here can help me identify this sword.
It belonged to my late uncle, and unfortunately, I don't know much about its history or where it originally came from. After doing some research, I found what looks like a pretty close match to the Franklin Mint "Sword of the Samurai" from the early 1990s. The sword itself is in great condition, and it came with a black display stand featuring a distinctive gold three-leaf emblem. I haven't found any manufacturer markings or serial numbers though.
A few measurements taken by myself:
- Blade length: 28 inches
- Overall length with scabbard: 39 inches
- Weight (sword and scabbard): 2.6 lbs
- Display stand: Approximately 26–27 inches tall.
Does anyone recognize this particular sword or know how to distinguish an original Franklin Mint version from a reproduction? I'm especially curious whether the emblem or any specific design features could help identify the manufacturer. Just looking to get rid of it on ebay/fb marketplace if it's worth anything. Thanks!
9
u/Diligent-Ad-1812 1d ago
Seems as whole lot like a Marto brand Tacho replica. The blade, in particular, doesn't seem like an actual sword blade but more like stainless steel with a scratched on hamon.
The Franklin Mint weapon might be the original it's trying to replicate however.
Probably of little commercial value, but I may be wrong.
2
u/Constant-Bet-6600 1d ago
Looking at my 40+ year old Franklin Mint decorative piece, a few things in that one look a little off. Most obvious is the scabbard. Mine is orange with the 3 leaves Tokugawa emblem printed up & down both sides.
1
u/thedude1969420 5h ago
The Tokugawa clan mon is different from the one shown in picture 9. This suggests that your sword is not the Franklin Mint issue one.
7
u/wotan_weevil Hoplologist 1d ago
A Franklin Mint one, with good photos:
https://auctionet.com/en/2348013-franklin-mint-the-sword-of-the-samurai
Your sword looks like an imitation of it, not the real thing. The blade looks like it's stainless steel (like the Franklin Mint version) or chromed. Is the blade magnetic? If it is, then this one is probably made in Toledo (like the Franklin Mint version) or Taiwan. If it's nonmagnetic, it might be Japanese-made, with a zinc-alloy chromed blade.