WWII Japanese sword and swagger stick???

[st3]

My dad gave me this sword that he got from his step father and I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about it. It measures roughly 33 inches from tip to the base of the handle and there is the number 18 on the base of the blade. Any info would be much appreciated!









Blurry image of the number 18:





I know this is unrelated but he also gave me a swagger stick? I honestly have no idea what it is:

[davejb]

Im not sure whether this is japanese or chinese i would think that the dragon head on the stick is chinese but i dont think its a swagger stick it might be some form of ceremonial baton, as for the sword, lets see if anyone else can shed any light on it

[SteveR]

The sword is an early Meiji period short pattern police sword. Which would have a leather tassel.
The other piece is a Japanese drill instructors" morning wood stick" The DI would go around in the barracks in the morning and if a recruit was found with morning wood he would whack the offending member and Wa La no more wood.
Honestly I really do not know what it is for. I just thought a giggle would be fun.
SteveR

[Eric Zentner]

I agree with Steve early Meiji very nice no idea on stick sorry ERIC.

[st3]

Thank you guys so much for the info. You've pointed me in the right direction.

[Alan M]

Very nice police sword . Is the ferrule on the stick threaded ?

[guntojim]

Can't believe you guys missed the crossed Manchukuoan flags on the backstrap. Looks to be a Grade 1 Manchukuoan sword. Jim

[Monkeky]

My grandfather liberated a sword that looks identical to that one, after the base he was stationed at was recaptured after being over run.

[st3]

Where could I find the value on this sword?