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clay-coated sword would then be rates on different parts of the
heated once more before being blade to create specialized
quickly quenched with water. effects, such as a cutting edge
The heating and rapid cooling that was harder than the overall
within the clay created the body of the weapon.
katana’s graceful curvature and
extra strength and hardness to Stock Removal Technique
the edge of the blade. Finally, the While there are still artisans
blade would be sent out for that hand-forge their blades,
polishing, which could take most of today’s knives and
weeks using a series of increasingly- swords, and indeed, most blades
fine polishing stones to create made from the 19th and 20th
that famous mirror shine. centuries onward, are made with
the stock removal technique.
Around the World This efficient and often mecha-
While the Japanese katana is nized process involves taking a
an extreme example of sword- piece of metal that is larger than
smithing at it’s finest, similar the final product and cutting,
Of all the striking samurai swords, one holds a particularly exalted place
principles applied for edged in Japanese legend. The Honjo Masamune was made by the master smith grinding, and polishing it down
weapons around the world. A Goro Nyudo Masamune, who was proclaimed the chief swordsmith of Emporer Fushimi to the desired shape and finish.
smith would start with a central when he was only 23. Masamune developed and perfected the technique of folding and While the initial core may be
bar that was either folded upon blending hard and soft steel together to make something stronger and more deadly than strong because of advances in
itself and drawn out or welded to any sword being made around the world. His most famous creation, the Honjo steel technology, there is some-
other pieces, placing the softest Masamune (named for the general who was its first owner), was fabled to be so thing special about hand-forged
metal towards the interior. Then well crafted, its many layers tapered to a point that was just one atom thick. weapons and calling upon the
the future blade was shaped and Sadly, the sword was lost to public record after World War II and has never been compiled wisdom of weapons
tapered to create an edge and a recovered. This photo depicts a fan’s reproduction of the blade since images of experts before you to shape
point. Fullering, a technique that the legendary blade are lost as well. something that specifically
created a ridge (or ridges) running photo: Reddit user U/Chuwak. addresses the challenges a blade
down the length of the blade, and its warrior may face. You
gave the whole piece greater structural strength. Once shaped, a smith can collect edged weapons for their direct or representative history, or
would use temperature to finish off their work. Some techniques called for their decoration, but you can also collect them for their painstaking
for evenly heating and slowly cooling the finished product to remove craftsmanship, which in itself is a victory.
any stresses on the blade, others involved heating and cooling at different

“The Historic Arms and Militaria Market” continued from page 39
of the woodwork and it was pretty exciting to get it in. A rare and cool advice. Knowledge and friends with knowledge can really help you
sword that was hiding away in the Midwest for quite some time. from getting stung with something fake or something that has had
modern work done.
MUSKETS, CARBINES, FUSILS, AND FOWLERS are highly
collectible depending on condition and rarity. Again, markings can add Final Notes
tremendous value if they denote a specific unit. I feel like I could ramble on and on, but for those in this field and
others, there is still so much to learn every day. Be it from other
What to Watch Out For collectors, dealers, or with a curator while visiting a museum, it is
Here are a few things to watch out for in early guns as this drastically always interesting and never mundane. Even with objects that I do not
affects the value. Some guns from the 18th century and early 19th have a particular interest in, I always enjoy seeing folks share their
century that were originally in a flint ignition configuration were passion and interests with others.
sometimes altered or updated to have a percussion ignition. In later Read about the stuff you like before you purchase and take a look at
years, some of the converted guns have been reconverted back to flint. the internet to see what things are fetching. Shows and conferences can
Sometimes a stock and barrel were shortened to be nimbler in the field be a great way to learn more about the market and the objects. Look
and updated to the times. Later collectors sometimes would cleverly around at shows and talk to some of the folks behind a table or listen
replace a piece of the shortened stock with new wood added and to a lecture as it may help you someday with your next purchase!
sometimes stretch the barrel. Joel Bohy is the director of Historic Arms & Militaria at Bruneau & Co.
With some of the later guns, originality is also extremely important Auctioneers in Cranston, RI. and a frequent appraiser on the PBS series
to a discriminating collector just as is the condition. While the guns of Antiques Roadshow. He is also a member of the American Society of Arms
a lesser condition can be a great starting point for a new younger Collectors, and an avocational conflict archaeologist working on battlefield sites
collector trying to enter the field or one who has a smaller budget, high and historic arms ballistics studies.
condition guns are much more sought after. The Merrill rifle pictured
at right is one of just under 800 made between 1862 and 1865 and is
in wonderful condition with almost all its original color case hardened
finish on the lock and breech, no pitting, a lot of remaining blue on the
barrel, and a mint bore. The condition of this gun will add much to its
value for a discriminating collector of Civil War-era arms. Merrill rifle in outstanding condition
Knives as well as swords are highly collected. Bowie knives still
evoke the history of the early-to-mid and even late 19th century, from
the Alamo, Gold Rush, and Civil War, these sometimes-massive knives
are much sought after. There are many fakes or decent reproductions
out in the market, and it can sometimes be hard to discern the real from
the reproduction. Luckily, there are some good dealers and folks who
have been sharing their extensive knowledge through publishing great
examples for us to reference and learn from and I am thankful for their

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