244

Lot #244: THE LAST SAMURAI (2003) - Katsumoto's (Ken Watanabe) Katana and Sheath

Currency:GBP Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Props Start Price:2,500.00 GBP Estimated At:5,000.00 - 10,000.00 GBP
Lot #244: THE LAST SAMURAI (2003) - Katsumoto's (Ken Watanabe) Katana and Sheath
Please note that all bids placed through 3rd party platforms will be subject to a buyer's expense of 5%. There is no fee for bids placed on propstoreauction.com

Day 1 and 2 of the auction will be held live with in-person bidding on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th November 2023 at BAFTA 195 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9LN.

Please note in-person bidding is not available on Days 3 and 4 (Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November), bids can be placed online or via telephone or written absentee form.
THE LAST SAMURAI (2003) - Katsumoto's (Ken Watanabe) Katana and Sheath

Katsumoto's (Ken Watanabe) katana and sheath from Edward Zwick's historical war epic The Last Samurai. Katsumoto used his katana throughout the film as he fought the Japanese Imperial Army - first against, then alongside, the American Nathan Algren (Tom Cruise). Katsumoto ultimately took his own life with the sword, before it was presented to Emperor Meiji (Shichinosuke Nakamura).

The sword is made of aluminium, with a resin grip designed to look like wood, bound in cloth and featuring an ornate plastic guard. The blade is blunted to prevent injury to performers. A blood groove runs along the length of the blade's left side, while the right side's groove is broken by an array of engraved symbols. The grip is finished in black and white with faux-gold accents. The piece is retained in a sheath, finished in black and bound in black-and-white rope. The sword exhibits some wear from production use, including chips in the paint finish and mud on the scabbard from use on the battlefield. Dimensions (sheathed): 102 cm x 7.5 cm x 6.5 cm (40 1/4" x 3" x 2 1/2")

Estimate: GBP 5000 - 10000 M

Bidding for this lot will end on Thursday, November 9th. The auction will begin at 3:00PM BST and lots are sold sequentially via live auctioneer; tune in to the live streaming broadcast on auction day to follow the pace. Note other lots in the auction may close on Friday, November 10th, Saturday, November 11th or Sunday, November 12th.