Philippine military sword?

rockelk · 27th August 2019, 04:46 AM

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

Rick · 27th August 2019, 05:47 AM

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.

rockelk · 27th August 2019, 07:01 AM

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?

Victrix · 27th August 2019, 11:00 AM

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

rockelk · 27th August 2019, 06:40 PM

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….

Battara · 27th August 2019, 07:46 PM

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

rockelk · 28th August 2019, 06:58 AM

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

27th August 2019, 04:46 AM	#1
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	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 Attached Images

27th August 2019, 05:47 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,293	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. Attached Images Last edited by Rick; 27th August 2019 at 06:00 AM.

27th August 2019, 07:01 AM	#3
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	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?

27th August 2019, 06:40 PM	#5
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	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….

28th August 2019, 06:58 AM	#7
rockelk Member Join Date: May 2019 Location: Arizona Posts: 42	tsubsa The tsubsa is somewhat distinctive has anyone seen this one before?

27th August 2019, 11:00 AM	#4
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 710	There are lots of Filipinos in Philippines of pre-WWII Japanese descent.

27th August 2019, 07:46 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,220	Also there were a lot of Philippine made for Japanese soldiers (as well as Indonesian made ones) during WWII.