Japanese Naval Police Sword?

Iliad · 3rd December 2009, 09:21 PM

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 · 3rd December 2009, 10:11 PM

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 · 3rd December 2009, 10:17 PM

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

Vaarok · 5th December 2009, 03:58 AM

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 · 5th December 2009, 06:19 PM

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 · 7th December 2009, 08:22 PM

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

3rd December 2009, 09:21 PM	#1
Iliad Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 187	Japanese Naval Police Sword? 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 Attached Images

3rd December 2009, 10:11 PM	#2
Rich Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: comfortably at home, USA Posts: 432	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

3rd December 2009, 10:17 PM	#3
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,221	Glad to see that this is not chinese cr@p.

5th December 2009, 03:58 AM	#4
Vaarok Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 28	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.

5th December 2009, 06:19 PM	#5
pbleed Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Little Rock, Arkansas Posts: 88	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

7th December 2009, 08:22 PM	#6
Iliad Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 187	Thanks for the information, you have been most helpful. Brian