Assistance needed in identifying this sword

[DwightPruitt]

I recently picked up this sword which was described to me as a child's parade saber, however I'm not so sure. It is a smallish sword with a machine made blade, brass fittings, a push button locking device and a five-pointed cherry blossom on the pommel. The grip is triple-wire over black same. The scabbard is either chrome or nickle with two ashii. It almost reminds me of a police saber, but with a full knuckle bow. There is a small hole in the upper bow for a knot. Other than the cherry blossom, there are no other markings.

The overall length of the sword in the scabbard is 18.75 inches, the blade is 12.5 inches long, the blade width at the habaki is .75 inches tapering down to.50 inches at the tip. There is no temper line visible.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Gilles]

Hello,

 

According to my experience, you have a early Meiji dagger, possibly a police type one. This kind of sword/dagger was made for the rank and file between 1870 and 1900 when strict regulations were not yet enforced.

All (that is to say the materials used) seems to indicate that it is really Japanese and from this period.

Just my personnal feelings.

Hope it helps.

[Kai-Gunto]

Its a police Patrolman and Sergeant sword.

[Hayabusa]

It's the number 4 style police patrol and sergeant sword, from around 1905.

Steve