Hi George,
My father was not in the military. He was a very well known Second hand dealer within Victoria, He dealt in just about everything and anything. He purchased this sword from repossession sale from the Victorian Sheriff, this item a several other items were repossessed, apparently there were 4-5 of these same style swords of different sizes at the time, but my father was only able to purchase one of them.
Will keep you all informed of anything more I find out
Matt