Un-Marked Short Sword....Civil War?

Rust & Dust · Aug 16, 2013

Hey Folks,

I have an un-marked sword I aquired while out picking in Ocoee, Tn. The guy said his Uncle gave it to him when he was a kid. He was in his 70's and had been using it as a fire poker. Paid him $40 for it...Just trying to get some information on this. Is it real, what period, ect.

The blade is 22" and it's 28" overall
I looked at with a loop and found no markings.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

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horseclover · Aug 16, 2013

Welcome aboard

Chinese version of a Japanese form is the impression I get but it may be truly Japanese. Nothing to do with the American Civil War.

Compare to the civil use swords shown here.
http://japaneseswordindex.com/civilian.htm

Cheers

GC

Rust & Dust · Aug 17, 2013

Thanks for the reply GC. How old do you think it is?

horseclover · Aug 17, 2013

Honestly, not a clue beyond what is described in the linked page. Not being positive it is actually a Japanese made sword leaves a lot of room for speculation. Swords with the European influences began in the late 1800s. Japanese swords are absolutely not a real study of mine, although I did pick up a WWI period Japanese colonial sword which was IDed with the helps of others.

The linked page leads to a lot more information and other forums specializing in Japanese type swords.

Cheers

GC

David Stifle · Aug 18, 2013

Horseclover, for my own education, can you tell me what led you to the conclusion that sword is Japanese? I honestly do not see any Japanese influencene. It looks like a typical American or European sword to me.

Lee Bray · Aug 18, 2013

Japanese, Meiji period, police sword. I think it's police due to the emblem on the back of the hilt but can't see for sure.
Hilt looks rather devoid of the usual decor but could be well worn.
Possibly a Chinese copy, as Glen says, but doubtful as they are not particularly valuable.

horseclover · Aug 18, 2013

David Stifle said:
Horseclover, for my own education, can you tell me what led you to the conclusion that sword is Japanese? I honestly do not see any Japanese influencene. It looks like a typical American or European sword to me.

Gosh

Did you have a chance to click that link and look at a very similar example? Or note my own recollections when I wrote "Swords with the European influences began in the late 1800s." in my previous post?

What I do know pretty well are American swords and this isn't one of them. Knowing at least a little about European influences on Japanese swords, I linked an easy to read reference.

This is the WWI era sword I had picked up out of curiousity and it, as well, shares the influences of European sabres.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Japanese-Colonial-Diplomat-Naval-Flag-Officer

Cheers

GC

David Stifle · Aug 18, 2013

horseclover said:
Gosh

Did you have a chance to click that link and look at a very similar example? Or note my own recollections when I wrote "Swords with the European influences began in the late 1800s." in my previous post?

What I do know pretty well are American swords and this isn't one of them. Knowing at least a little about European influences on Japanese swords, I linked an easy to read reference.

This is the WWI era sword I had picked up out of curiousity and it, as well, shares the influences of European sabres.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Japanese-Colonial-Diplomat-Naval-Flag-Officer

Cheers

GC

Awww, I skipped right past your reference, my bad. I see it now, the light dawns...