Philippine military sword?
 

A Philippine sword, but with a Japanese accent. A 21” blade, 9” grip, copper bolster and a distinctive brass guard and brass fittings. It is stamped “Philippines and 136” which seems to be a military inventory number. I searched the internet and this forum and can find no other similar item. I am hoping someone has seen something akin to this weapon. With regards

Philippine interpretations of Japanese swords are not unknown. This one looks older than most that I have seen.
I have never seen one with a guard marked like this before..
Every now and then you will see one on ebay. :)

I thought the tsuba had a familiar form; entirely coincidental I'm sure.

more detail
 

I took it apart, it was complete with Habaki and Seppa. now I am completely confused?? It appears crudely made. Could it have been made in the Philippines for the Japanese in wwII?

There are lots of Filipinos in Philippines of pre-WWII Japanese descent.

A small enterprise
 

I have the impression that at the end of WWII there was a great demand for Japanese war souvenirs. I am beginning to think that this was produced by some enterprising group in the Philippines to meet that demand. It is of poor quality, no temper; the shank has a threaded rod welded to it. You could do all of this in a shed. The stamped numbers could have been added to create the air of credibility….

Also there were a lot of Philippine made for Japanese soldiers (as well as Indonesian made ones) during WWII.

tsubsa
 

The tsubsa is somewhat distinctive has anyone seen this one before?