Japanese short sword

CNK1 · 8th February 2025, 04:56 AM

Good evening,

Out of my field, I have recently find this short sword that should be japanese, but I am clearly unable to date it and precisely identify it !

I think the scabbard is missing a piece at the beginning and the only marking was under this piece.

I greatly appreciate your help with this one !

Thanks in advance

kronckew · 8th February 2025, 11:02 AM

The throat piece does appear to be missing.

The grip/pommel look European, tho Japan and China both copied European ones, especially for Cavalry units*. It looks a bit of a marriage. Japan was fond of reworking captured weapons for NCSs, and Native police units. The 'Heiho' mod to Indonesian Dutch Klewangs is an example. The missing throat may have been deliberate to enable its use with the marriage. The blade and its tonku look more Japanese.

*- I've heard the Chinese copy of the Japanese Cavalry sabre is actually better made than the Japanese one it emulates.

David R · 11th February 2025, 01:19 AM

Showa era police or Shore Patrol sword. Google is your friend from here on.

8th February 2025, 04:56 AM	#1
CNK1 Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: France Posts: 42	Japanese short sword Good evening, Out of my field, I have recently find this short sword that should be japanese, but I am clearly unable to date it and precisely identify it ! I think the scabbard is missing a piece at the beginning and the only marking was under this piece. I greatly appreciate your help with this one ! Thanks in advance Attached Images

8th February 2025, 11:02 AM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,204	The throat piece does appear to be missing. The grip/pommel look European, tho Japan and China both copied European ones, especially for Cavalry units. It looks a bit of a marriage. Japan was fond of reworking captured weapons for NCSs, and Native police units. The 'Heiho' mod to Indonesian Dutch Klewangs is an example. The missing throat may have been deliberate to enable its use with the marriage. The blade and its tonku look more Japanese. - I've heard the Chinese copy of the Japanese Cavalry sabre is actually better made than the Japanese one it emulates.

11th February 2025, 01:19 AM	#3
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,110	Showa era police or Shore Patrol sword. Google is your friend from here on.