Identification help

asomotif · 17th May 2020, 08:50 PM

I am amazed about the quality of the example in post 8, but in general this sword makes me think of : made in the PRC

They like to combine styles and inscriptions and sell everything as ww2 japanese. just my 2 cents.

Ian · 18th May 2020, 01:15 AM

Clockwork:

As mentioned above, I'm moving this one over to the European Forum where you might get a clearer answer as to whether this is a French sword or a Chinese creation.

Ian.

Ian · 18th May 2020, 01:26 AM

Gents:

This sword was posted in the Ethnographic Forum for identification. It is of European style, and the inscription (GENDARMERIE ROYALE) is an obvious allusion to a possible French origin. However, a number of members have noted the Oriental motif (Chrysanthemum) on the cast brass elements, not typically in the Japanese style, leading to an alternative view that this may be a Chinese creation of the mid- to late-20th C.

Several examples of similar swords have been culled from the web to indicate that it is not a unique specimen. Different hilt styles are observed, with some examples being of poorer quality than the topic of this thread.

We are referring the sword to the European Armoury Forum for an opinion as to whether it has French origins or is a Chinese fantasy or knock off.

Ian

Will M · 18th May 2020, 02:16 AM

A definite fantasy sword most likely Chinese made. So many details and main parts inaccurately portrayed. I don't know where to start, the lettering is amateurish, the quality very low and nothing points to the sword as being from any pattern.The "patina" alone points to a chemical wash. Many sand casting flaws and non descript designs. Few swords are found with their leather blade washers and fantasy swords typically have poor quality leather washers as these do.
One auction describes the sword as:
"French Gendarmerie Royale Sword with brass two bar and dish back hilt. Decorated floral back strap. Complete with its steel scabbard with decorative brass ring mounts. Steel blade with remains of ?GENDARMERIE ROYALE? wording."
When one struggles to describe such swords, the above description is what you get. Auctioneers stay clear of describing these as authentic swords. Some auctioneers will tell you low bid start price tells bidders the item is a copy/fake.

kronckew · 18th May 2020, 05:59 AM

Also: The abrupt 'point' looks very fake Chinesey. As does the blade lettering. They are fairly well known for fairly good chemical 'aging'. Bit too uniform tho.

I'd expect a better cartouche, font, and gold lettering like this Gendarmarie Royale du Canada (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Junior Officers sword: (not mine)

clockwork · 19th May 2020, 09:12 AM

Thank you all for the help.

Evgeny_K · 21st May 2020, 02:44 PM

without a doubt, this is a modern crafted souvenir sword
fake it when something is faked, but in this case, nothing is faked

18th May 2020, 01:26 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,397	Moderator's Comment: Help identifying this sword Gents: This sword was posted in the Ethnographic Forum for identification. It is of European style, and the inscription (GENDARMERIE ROYALE) is an obvious allusion to a possible French origin. However, a number of members have noted the Oriental motif (Chrysanthemum) on the cast brass elements, not typically in the Japanese style, leading to an alternative view that this may be a Chinese creation of the mid- to late-20th C. Several examples of similar swords have been culled from the web to indicate that it is not a unique specimen. Different hilt styles are observed, with some examples being of poorer quality than the topic of this thread. We are referring the sword to the European Armoury Forum for an opinion as to whether it has French origins or is a Chinese fantasy or knock off. Ian

18th May 2020, 02:16 AM	#4
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 395	A definite fantasy sword most likely Chinese made. So many details and main parts inaccurately portrayed. I don't know where to start, the lettering is amateurish, the quality very low and nothing points to the sword as being from any pattern.The "patina" alone points to a chemical wash. Many sand casting flaws and non descript designs. Few swords are found with their leather blade washers and fantasy swords typically have poor quality leather washers as these do. One auction describes the sword as: "French Gendarmerie Royale Sword with brass two bar and dish back hilt. Decorated floral back strap. Complete with its steel scabbard with decorative brass ring mounts. Steel blade with remains of ?GENDARMERIE ROYALE? wording." When one struggles to describe such swords, the above description is what you get. Auctioneers stay clear of describing these as authentic swords. Some auctioneers will tell you low bid start price tells bidders the item is a copy/fake. Last edited by Will M; 18th May 2020 at 02:39 AM.

18th May 2020, 05:59 AM	#5
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	Also: The abrupt 'point' looks very fake Chinesey. As does the blade lettering. They are fairly well known for fairly good chemical 'aging'. Bit too uniform tho. I'd expect a better cartouche, font, and gold lettering like this Gendarmarie Royale du Canada (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) Junior Officers sword: (not mine) Attached Images

17th May 2020, 08:50 PM	#1
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,235	I am amazed about the quality of the example in post 8, but in general this sword makes me think of : made in the PRC They like to combine styles and inscriptions and sell everything as ww2 japanese. just my 2 cents.

18th May 2020, 01:15 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,397	Clockwork: As mentioned above, I'm moving this one over to the European Forum where you might get a clearer answer as to whether this is a French sword or a Chinese creation. Ian.

19th May 2020, 09:12 AM	#6
clockwork Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 96	Thank you all for the help.

21st May 2020, 02:44 PM	#7
Evgeny_K Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 213	without a doubt, this is a modern crafted souvenir sword fake it when something is faked, but in this case, nothing is faked