Throughout much of human history, swords were a common weapon, influencing conflicts and leading the charge into war.
This article delves into the history – and historical owners – of some of the most valuable swords ever manufactured, as well as the skilled artisans who helped create them.
List of 10 Most Expensive Swords in the World?
We’ve studied the historical voyages of these masterful weapons, as well as the top-tier metals and gemstones used to create them, to bring you this guide to the most expensive swords.
Here is our list of the world’s ten most expensive swords:
1. 18th Century Boateng Saber – $7.7 Million
Returning to China for the 18th century Boateng saber, the most expensive sword in the world produced between 1736 and 1795 during the Qianlong dynasty.
After selling for $5.5 million at auction in 2006, the Boateng saber was auctioned again in 2008 for an astonishing $7.7 million, making it the kind of antique sword that only someone with Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth can afford.
It has an S-shaped design and a fitted jade grip, with inlaid gold, silver, and copper ornamentation on the blade.
The blade contains over 2,000 layers of steel, making it extremely strong and sharp, with ninety similar blades created in palace workshops over a forty-five-year period.
2. Napoleon Bonaparte’s Gold-Encrusted Saber – $6.5 Million
Napoleon Bonaparte was one of history’s most enduring personalities, reigning as Emperor of France from 1852 to 1870 and guiding the country to victory in countless battles.
He was frequently seen on the battlefield with a sword and a pistol, and he used this magnificent antique gold-encrusted saber at the Battle of Marengo in 1800, while fighting Austrian forces.
It’s an artistically constructed weapon with outstanding features on both the blade and the handle, made of gold, one of the most expensive precious metals available.
The sword, which was sold to an unknown buyer at Osenat Auctions, was passed down through generations of the Bonaparte family, following the precedent set by Bonaparte himself, who handed the sword to his brother as a gift.
3. 15th Century Nasrid Period Ear-Dagger – $6 Million
The ear dagger, which originated in North Africa, got its name from the hilt pommel, which has two flattened discs.
During the Nasrid period of history, ear daggers were manufactured from a double-sided blade with inlaid gold and Kufic lettering, as well as a horn-crafted grip.
It was used by the Spanish and is a magnificent example of a period weapon, with engravings representing a hunting scene and a human armed with a crossbow chasing a variety of animals.
The grip’s scales are etched with a series of geometrical figures, and four brass rivets keep it in place.
In addition to the inlaid gold, the ear dagger has inscriptions on the round pommels, which add to the look of the ears from which it gets its name.
In 2010, Sotheby’s auction house sold a Nasrid period ear dagger from North Africa for $6 million, making it the most expensive knife in the world.
4. Shah Jahan’s Personal Dagger – $3.3 Million
The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, India’s fifth Mughal Emperor, reappears with his own dagger, a weapon that bears his name and title on the epigraph.
The inscription on this unique and precious dagger shows that it was produced in 1630 and was most likely given to Shah Jahan on his 39th birthday.
The blade also has an etched parasol that the emperor wears over his head, symbolising the dome of heaven and Shah Jahan’s majestic grandeur.
This dagger was used by Shah Jahan, whose full name was Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, as his second personal weapon, less as a tool for battle and more as a symbol of his artistic prowess.
Shah Jahan’s personal dagger has been sold five times since its discovery, with the most recent sale of $3.3 million putting it on level with the most expensive cars in the world.
5. The Gem Of The Orient Knife – $2.1 Million
While many of the world’s most costly swords are appreciated for their historical significance, others are treasured for their careful craftsmanship and rare metals and gemstones.
The Gem of the Orient knife is a prime example of a weapon valued for the prestige of its designer, in this case, designer Buster Warenski.
Warenski created this amazing knife in 1966 and took ten years to complete as part of his “Legacy Knives” collection.
It has a Damascus steel blade with a jade handle crafted with 28 ounces of gold overlay.
6. Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War Presentation Sword – $1.6 Million
Ulysses S. Grant became the 18th President of the United States, but before that, he led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War of 1865.
Grant received the presenting sword as a gift from the people of Kentucky in 1864, shortly after becoming General in Chief of the United States Armies.
The sword was created by a respected silversmith from St. Louis who collaborated with jeweler Henry Folsom. It is made of solid silver and gold, with twenty-six mine-cut diamonds distributed along its length.
7. Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife – $1.24 Million
The Qianlong Imperial hunting knife was the first to sell for more than $1 million, fetching $1.24 million at Sotheby’s auction house in 2009.
Qianlong, the sixth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, presided during one of the most successful periods in Chinese history, bringing in a slew of cultural triumphs that would impact China’s future for generations.
His Imperial hunting knife has a blade composed of coral, turquoise, and gold, all of which add to its high value.
8. 17th Century Indian Talwar Blade – $717,800
The Indian Talwar blade, which was made in the 17th century, is another pricey sword that has acquired its high worth due to its standing as a national treasure.
This regal curved European blade was expected to be worth around $80,000 but ended up selling for $717,800 at Sotheby’s auction house in 2007.
Its high price, which is comparable to the most costly timepieces available, is due in part to the gold stroke design on both the blade and the scabbard.
9. Admiral Lord Nelson’s French Officer Sword – $541,720
Admiral Lord Nelson is a fascinating figure in military history, recognised as one of the greatest naval commanders of all time and the subject of recent controversy.
His French officer sword, also known as Horatio Nelson, was recovered in 2001 as part of a collection of his things that included jewellery, medals, papers and documents, and a selection of other ancient weaponry.
10. 13th Century Kamakura Katana – $418,000
The Japanese katana sword is famed for its extraordinarily sharp cutting blade and is widely regarded as one of the very best swords manufactured throughout history.
This Kamakura katana from the 13th century is a remarkable example of the workmanship, dating from the Kamakura period of history, which is notable for the development of the Japanese samurai.
This pricey katana, made of the finest materials available, is an amazing example of the best Japanese swords and would have been handled by monarchs and other members of the royal family.
What kingdoms have the most expensive swords in the world?
Returning to China for the 18th century Boateng saber, the most expensive sword in the world produced between 1736 and 1795 during the Qianlong dynasty.
After selling for $5.5 million at auction in 2006, the Boateng saber was auctioned again in 2008 for an astonishing $7.7 million, making it the kind of antique sword that only someone with Mark Zuckerberg’s net worth can afford.
It has an S-shaped design and a fitted jade grip, with inlaid gold, silver, and copper ornamentation on the blade.
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