Hi Master,
Sounds interesting! Actually it sounds as if you do know something about swords....anyone who specifies 'katana' rather than 'a Samurai sword' clearly has more than lay knowledge of edged weapons
Here we enjoy doing research on edged weapons and a swords monetary value has no bearing on its identification, and those 'legal issues and rules' can become extremely complicated when not observed.
So lets see a picture of this sword...."Joshua Brigade" ???even more fascinating!!! We love a good mystery!!!and look forward to helping you identify this piece.
All the best,
Jim