View Full Version : Philippine military sword?
rockelk
27th August 2019, 03:46 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, 04:47 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, 06:01 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, 10:00 AM
There are lots of Filipinos in Philippines of pre-WWII Japanese descent.
rockelk
27th August 2019, 05:40 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, 06:46 PM
Also there were a lot of Philippine made for Japanese soldiers (as well as Indonesian made ones) during WWII.
rockelk
28th August 2019, 05:58 AM
The tsubsa is somewhat distinctive has anyone seen this one before?
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