Japanese Naval Police Sword?

[Iliad]

Hi guys,
I recently purchased this item from an antique dealer, who said that he believed it to be a Japanese Naval Police Sword from around 1900-1910.
Overall length in scabbard is 29 inches, or 74 cm. Can anyone confirm this?
Brian

[Rich]

It could be a police saber or civil officials sword. See my webpage at:

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/civilian.htm

I do not believe it is a military sword. See the military swords page at:

http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/military.htm

I also think the date too early. More likely from the 1930-45 period.

Rich S
The Japanese Sword Index
http://home.earthlink.net/~steinrl/nihonto.htm

[asomotif]

Glad to see that this is not chinese cr@p. :)

[Vaarok]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Vaarok/harkirkatana.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v709/Vaarok/5cherry.jpg

I bought this some time ago, rough shape but cheap. It was identified by some Japanese collectors as a policeman's sword. The mounts and such on yours are slightly different, so it could be Naval Police, so I concur at least that it's legit and some sort of Police. Supposedly military have a Chrysanthemum on the pommel, and civilian have a cherry blossom.

[pbleed]

I am pretty sure that this is simply a police sword. The stamped message on the guard says "Yamaguchi-ken (Prefecture) No. 1415". I see no evidence of military usage - and it certainly does not seem to have the fouled anchor on bottom of the scabbard which is - as I recall - the crest seen on navy police and prison guard swords. The circle crest on the side of the back strap is a police mark as is the 5 stem star on the strap.
Peter

[Iliad]

Thanks for the information, you have been most helpful.
Brian