
The oldest sword on our list today, and one of the most expensive antique swords in the world is the 13 th century Yamato katana.

13 th Century Yamato Katana Sword Source Place of origin: (Note: the image above shows a selection of fine Talwars, but not the Talwar in question). This steel-hilted Talwar is one of the most expensive swords in India, as it was sold for between $5700-$9200 USD in 2021, along with an incredible lot auctioned by Sotheby’s auction house, featuring arts from the Islamic world and India. Today, they are more commonly seen only at special occasions such as big, traditional weddings and festivals in India. Talwars were widely used in India around the time when this steel-hilted Talwar was crafted. The blade is unusually and highly decorated with the 10 avatars (forms) of Vishnu: The original sheath, or scabbard, which was maintained alongside the sword is made from wood and velvet, and embellished with gilt flowers. Steel-Hilted Talwar Source Place of origin:Īnother incredible sword, or Talwar, from India which features an elegant, curved blade forged from watered steel. (Note: the image above is not the exact Boateng saber in question, but a similar saber from the same era). This price was smashed when it was re-sold for $7.7 million USD in 2008! We cannot find a record for this more recent sale, but here you can find out more about the original auction in 2006, and loads of fascinating background information about the sword and its historical origins. In 2006, the saber was sold for $5.9 million USD. The Boateng saber was crafted between 17, while Emperor Qianlong was in power. This has been assumed according to the inscriptions on the blade. The blade itself is single edged, has a high carbon content, and is inlaid with shining gold, silver and copper.Īs far as historians know, this sword was owned by the Chinese Emperor Qianlong. The handle features a pattern of detailed leaves and a floret carved from white jade. The distinctive S-shaped design of this sword, whereby the handle curves gracefully downwards and the tip of the blade curves upwards, makes it instantly recognizable and very beautiful. Boateng Saber Sword Source Place of origin: The auction house stated the historical sword will be kept in possession of the Bonaparte family according to the wises of Napoleon himself who handed it to his brother. In 2007, the sword was sold along with the sheath at Osenat Auctions, and bought by a private buyer for the equivalent of $6.5 million USD! At the time, it was the second most expensive sword ever sold. The patterning present on the hilt and sheath are said to have been inspired by his drive to “conquer the whole of Europe and the East” following his invasion of Egypt and Syria between 17. The ultra-high quality of the hand crafting suggests the sword was custom-made for Napoleon by on of the top sword artisans of the time.

This incredible sword is a work of art, and highly valued thanks to its famous owner – Napoleon Bonaparte! As far as historians can tell, this distinctively curved blade – complete with a gold and ebony encrusted hilt and an intricate sheath – was used Napoleon in 1800 during the Battle of Marengo where he launched on the army of Austria. Napoleon Bonaparte’s Sword Source Place of origin: In no particular order, meet the most expensive swords in the world! 1. The prices stated are accurate as of September 2022. Here, we’ll take a middle ground and focus on swords which are longer than 6 inches and have been used or made as either fighting weapons or for aesthetic display purposes. However, a more definite classification is that knives are shorter than 6 inches long, and swords are fighting weapons which means it is their tips that are the sharpest points. 9 Most Expensive Swords: Round-Up Listīefore we get started let’s address the elephant in the room when it comes to swords – are knives swords? Some would say yes, they are simply shorter swords with sharpened edges that have been made for a more tool-like or display purpose. We’ve also provided you with a price guide, and a buying and selling guide including all the information you need to start forming a sword collection or make sure you get the right place for a rare sword in your possession. We’ll delve into the world of rare swords and sabres, highly decorative Talwar, and famous Samurai blades such as Katana.

Today, we will take you on a tour of the globe from Japan, through China, France, and Great Britain, taking a closer look at 8 of the most expensive swords in the world. Not only highly decorative, but these antiques also have incredible backstories and some even possess legendary status. Whether you’re an antique weapon enthusiast or a peace lover, intricate and elegant swords of the past can be very appealing to the eye.
