The 10 Most Expensive Swords in the World (2023)

What are the top 10 most expensive swords in the World?

Swords have shaped disputes and initiated war throughout the course of human history.

Swords have been associated with important battles and powerful leaders ever since they were first forged more than 5,000 years ago.

In fact, a number of notable historical occurrences have involved swords. From the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to Napoleon’s assault on Austrian forces in 1800, bladed weapons have been a defining feature of historical events. Through the middle of the 20th century, this persisted.

This article looks at some of the most expensive swords in the world, their previous owners, and the skilled artisans who helped make them.

The 10 Most Expensive Swords in the World

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1. 18th Century Boateng Saber – $7.7 Million

The most expensive sword in the world is the 18th Century Boateng Saber, it was made during the Qianlong rule between 1736 and 1795.

Boateng, which means “Soaring Precious” in Chinese, is a suitable name for a powerful and significant historical weapon.

After selling at auction for $5.5 million in 2006, the Boateng saber was put up for auction again in 2008 and brought an incredible $7.7 million.

Its blade is embellished with inlaid gold, silver, and copper inlays and has an S-shaped design. The grip is made of fitting jade.

The blade, which has almost 2,000 layers of steel and was crafted at the royal workshops over a forty-five-year period, is incredibly powerful and sharp.

2. Napoleon Bonaparte’s gold-encrusted Saber – $6.5 Million

Napoleon Bonaparte, who ruled as Emperor of France from 1852 and 1870, is one of history’s most iconic figures. He is credited with guiding France to victory in innumerable battles.

He frequently carried a sword and a pistol while fighting, and at the Battle of Marengo in 1800, he engaged the Austrian soldiers with an extraordinary old gold-encrusted saber.

It is a skillfully crafted weapon with amazing embellishments on both the sword and the handle made of gold, one of the most expensive precious metals available.

The sword, which Bonaparte himself gave to his brother as a wedding gift, was passed down through the generations of the Bonaparte family before it was sold to an unnamed collector at Osenat Auctions.

The sword, which sold for $6.5 million and is now the second most expensive sword in history, is treasured for both its historical value and the Egyptian-inspired engravings on its curved blade.

3. 15th Century Nasrid Period Ear-Dagger – $6 Million

The most expensive sword in the world, a Nasrid-era ear dagger from North Africa, sold for $6 million in 2010 at Sotheby’s auction house.

The Nasrid era (15th century) Originating in North Africa, the ear-dagger got its name from the pommel on the hilt, which has two flattened discs.

The ear dagger has inscriptions on the round pommels in addition to the inlaid gold, which enhances the look of the ears from which it gets its name.

Ear daggers are manufactured from a double-sided blade with inlaid gold and Kufic lettering, as well as a horn-made grip, and were used in the 15th and 16th centuries during the Nasrid period of history.

It is a great example of a weapon from the time and was used by the Spanish. The engravings show a hunting scene with a guy using a crossbow to pursue various animals.

A variety of geometrical symbols are engraved on the grip’s scales, and four brass rivets assist secure it in place.

4. Shah Jahan’s Personal Dagger – $3.3 Million

Shah Jahan’s Personal Dagger is one of the most expensive swords in the world and is named after the Mughal ruler The fifth Mughal Emperor of India, Shah Jahan.

He returns with his own dagger, which is emblazoned with his name and title on the inscription.

This rare and priceless dagger was created in 1630, according to the date engraved on it, and Shah Jahan most likely received it as a present on his 39th birthday.

Shah Jahan’s regal rank is symbolized by the parasol, which is written on the blade and carried over the monarch’s head as the dome of heaven.

This dagger served as Shah Jahan’s second personal weapon; his full name was Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram. Shah Jahan utilized it less as a weapon of battle and more as a representation of his artistic prowess.

The dagger was initially found in the collection of Southeast Asian armor, weapons, and pottery owned by Belgian collector Jacques Desenfans.

Shah Jahan’s personal dagger has been sold five times since its discovery.

5. The Gem Of The Orient Knife – $2.1 Million

Some of the most costly swords in the world are treasured because of their exquisite craftsmanship, rare metals, and diamonds, while others command a premium price because of their historical relevance.

A weapon that is treasured because of the reputation of its designer, in this case, designer Buster Warenski, is the Gem of the Orient knife.

This extraordinary knife was created by Warenski in 1966 and took ten years to complete as one of his “Legacy Knives” collections.

The blade is crafted of Damascus steel, while the jade grip is covered in 28 ounces of gold.

The knife is made of gold, 153 emeralds weighing a combined ten karats, and nine diamonds worth five karats apiece, and they are all set in elaborate gold filigree.

One of the most well-known blacksmiths of the 20th century, Buster Warenski gained international recognition for creating a copy of King Tut’s dagger.

With the remarkable sale price of $2.1 million for his Gem of the Orient knife, Buster Warenski cemented his position as the leading blacksmith of his era.

6. Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War Presentation Sword – $1.6 Million

Prior to becoming a shrewd political figure and the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant led the Union Army to victory in the American Civil War of 1865.

After becoming the General in Chief of the American Armies in 1864, Grant was given the presenting sword by the citizens of Kentucky.

The sword was created by a well-known silversmith from St. Louis who collaborated with jeweler Henry Folsom. It is made of pure silver and gold with 26 mine-cut diamonds strewn down its length.

In addition to the goddess Victory and an eagle spreading its wings over the sculpted grip of the sword, these diamonds combine to form the U.S.G. monogram.

When Grant’s presentation sword was sold in 2007 at the Heritage Auction house, it brought in $1.6 million, the same amount as the priciest luxury pens and just as fine in terms of the level of detail.

Grant made a significant contribution to warfare, making it a fitting memorial to one of the key historical characters in American history.

7. Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife – $1.24 Million

The Qianlong Imperial hunting knife, which sold for $1.24 million at Sotheby’s auction house in 2009, is the first pricey weapon to surpass the $1 million mark.

The sixth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong, reigned during one of its most successful periods and introduced a number of cultural innovations that would influence China’s future for centuries to come.

His Imperial hunting knife has a gold, coral, and turquoise blade, which undoubtedly adds to its high value.

The entire scabbard, including the magnificent blade, is made of rhino horn. It has a tapering effect in which six dragons, each with three claws, can be seen swooping in and out of clouds that float above the waters.

This unique knife is a modern-day Swiss army knife because it has hidden pockets at the bottom of the hilt where chopsticks and a toothpick could be kept.

Emperor Qianlong was one of the era’s longest-reigning emperors, governing from 1735 to 1796 and finally passing away in 1799. He is remembered for leaving behind his hunting knife as a memento of his legacy.

8. 17th Century Indian Talwar Blade – $717,800

One of the most expensive swords in the world is the 17th Century Indian Talwar Blade, it is originally believed to be worth around $80,000, but this royally curved European blade ultimately sold for $717,800 in 2007 at the Sotheby’s auction house.

The gold stroke decoration that can be found on both the blade and its scabbard contributed to the item’s exorbitant price, which is similar to the priciest timepieces available.

The many lotuses that tell the story of Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, who ruled from 1628 to 1658, are of greater historical value.

Shah Jahan is best remembered for his contribution to the art form with the Taj Mahal in Agra, which helped to usher in the golden age of architecture in his reign.

9. Admiral Lord Nelson’s French Officer Sword – $541,720

Admiral Lord Nelson is recognized as one of the finest naval commanders of all time, one of the most fascinating personalities in military history, and the focus of debate in more recent years.

Also known as Horatio Nelson, a collection of his possessions, which included jewels, medals, papers, and documents, as well as a number of other antiquated weapons, was recovered in 2001.

At the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, when Nelson’s ship, the Victory, came under fire and ultimately resulted in his death from musket fire, Lord Nelson wielded this pricey and rare sword.

It is a gorgeous and elegant sword with an elaborate gold-encrusted hilt that is kept in an elegant sheath, which is entirely appropriate for a guy with such a storied past.

Alexander Davison, one of Lord Nelson’s closest friends and confidants, was given the collection of items in his will on May 10, 1803, and the trunk containing the sword and other items belonged to Davison.

The sword was put up for sale at Sotheby’s in London in 2002, and it sold there for an astounding $541,720.

10. 13th Century Kamakura Katana – $418,000

The Japanese katana sword is famed for its incredibly sharp cutting blade and is often regarded as one of the sharpest swords ever made.

This Kamakura katana from the Kamakura era of history, when the Japanese samurai first appeared, is a fine example of workmanship. It dates to the 13th century.

This pricey katana would have been used by monarchs and other members of the royal family and was made from the best materials. It is a superb example of the best Japanese swords.

It is a superb specimen of Japanese cultural and military history, with a steel blade crafted from the finest steel in Japan and a hilt carved from the most expensive woods of the period.

Summary

Here’s a summary list of the 10 Most Expensive Swords in the world:

1. 18th Century Boateng Saber – $7.7 Million
2. Napoleon Bonaparte’s gold-encrusted Saber – $6.5 Million
3. 15th Century Nasrid Period Ear-Dagger – $6 Million
4. Shah Jahan’s Personal Dagger – $3.3 Million
5. The Gem Of The Orient Knife – $2.1 Million
6. Ulysses S. Grant’s Civil War Presentation Sword – $1.6 Million
7. Qianlong Imperial Hunting Knife – $1.24 Million
8. 17th Century Indian Talwar Blade – $717,800
9. Admiral Lord Nelson’s French Officer Sword – $541,720
10. 13th Century Kamakura Katana – $418,000

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