My father-in-law has a samurai sword and bayonet from ww2 - how can he prove their authenticity?

Question

Are there any places he can take them to, to prove their authenticity. His uncle brought them back from the battlefields (he was a stretcher bearer).

Answer 1

There are many appraisers who can certify authenticity. There are many details that they will look for in workmanship and material. Any information about when, where and how they were acquired would be helpfull. Watch antiques roadshow and you will get an idea how they do it.

Answer 2

look for an appraiser in your area

Answer 3

does he have a photo of when he picked it up?

You could check how authentic it is by dismantling it but then again you wouldn't want to do it to such a peice. A better way is to take a picture of it(right now) and uploading it so people here can judge whether or not it is authentic

Answer 4

The STEEL in an authentic Samurai Sword has a very specific look because of the way the metal is folded and folded as it's being made.  Look very closely at it and you can see the slight color differences in the blade.  As for a bayonet.. they were not made from quality steel... they had too much carbon in them.

Any appraiser who knows WW2 weapons can easily certify the authenticity.