Yes, those bloody ammo pouches are tricky! Working on getting it right! Cheers.

I've started noticing HM's on French military medals and I was wondering if these is a site showing HMs and manufacturers.  

This sat quiet for quite a bit with NO input. However, I reached out to a good source, MR JERRY.. here is what he provided for information. Thanks friend!   Yours looks like a mid 1800s wakizashi (short sword) - these were carried by businessmen, mainly for show, but could be used for defence if things broke down.    It looks the Kanjii says "Choshu resident Seiji"  - Choshu is a region, Chōshū was a powerful feudal domain in pre-modern Japan, corresponding to modern-day Yamaguchi Prefecture at the western tip of Honshu Ruled by the Mōri clan, it was renowned for driving the Meiji Restoration in the 1860s and later producing many of Japan's foundational modern prime ministers.   I was unable to find a smith named Seiji.

Really great collection Ted, the entrenching tool is one of the hardest Japanese items to find and yours is an excellent looking example. One small critique is the mix of from ammo pouches with one being commonly referred to as a Navy Landing Force pouch. I always tried to use all leather, all rubberized, or all impregnated canvas pieces but it can be difficult. Well done sir.   Scott

Not in China in  the 30s but on New Guinea, probably Salamaua–Lae March 1942. Believe this is a still from footage where some parts of it was shown on the old The World At War ITV (TV network) series  from England n the early 70s.

Means Legation of Spain, it will not a military unit, a legation ranks bellow an embassy in importance if you like, though I think it ranks above a consulate.

Thank you very much!

It looks similar to a French Model 1874 Gras Bayonet.  Might be a later version ....   -Ski

Wow, that´s a very impressive collection, rather a museum. Welcome to the WMF!

Hi:  I saw this sign in a French flea msrket. The owner/seller said something about Vichy Period?  I had to take a picture.

It's entirely possible that he never got a WWI Victory medal.  If he was on colonial service, he wouldn't have got one.  The potential is there ....late, I know!   -Ski

I see no red flags with it.  Looks genuine to me.