Taiwanese colonial sword but it's not in the reference books

[Ontario_Archaeology]

I have come across a colonial sword that I am interested in, but the symbols and flags are not in the reference books. Its possible that this might be post war, but I am not 100% sure. The kyu gunto features a turtle shell grip and is definitely a Japanese sword, but the symbols are something else. What do you guys think? 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

I have a very vague memory so maybe seeing this once before and someone saying it was occupied India or thereabouts.  The dual flag is the same style as what we see on the Manchukuo swords - Japanese and "other" flags.

[Ontario_Archaeology]

It's the same style, but the manchurian/manchuko flag isn't there, it is more like the original Taiwanese flag. Its an interesting package. 

[Kiipu]

The sword is Chinese and @BANGBANGSAN is the person to ask.  With that said, I think the flags represent the Beiyang Government 北洋政府 and army 北洋军.  And if I am wrong, Trystan will be more than glad to correct me!

[Ontario_Archaeology]

The beiyang government looks correct. The Wikipedia page shows the same symbol that shows up on the sword. It's interesting that the Japanese kyu gunto and the Republic of China sword are so similar. I'm more curious now to know what kind of blade is inside. The auction states there is a 1400s era blade signed Suyekun, but they didn't expose the tang to confirm. 

[PNSSHOGUN]

It seems likely the Beiyang government ordered these from Japan.

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Reading the full Wikipedia article solves the case I think, 

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beiyang_government

 

The Japanese had poor relations with the new KMT one-party state in Nanjing. When the Japanese created the separatist Manchukuo in 1932, the new country used Beiyang symbolism.

 

 

[Ontario_Archaeology]

Here is another one on buyee. This one has a lion carved on the handle in two locations..... 

 

https://buyee.jp/item/yahoo/auction/h1090725814?conversionType=mypage_watch_list

 

 

[Bruce Pennington]

Here it is:

[lonely panet]

IMHO i would trust that sword