This seems reminiscent of the indonesian or the Burmese dha style, I would look to that area of the world for an answer.
What do the carvings show?
JCH

It's called a "dha", native to the Thailand/Cambodia area. That particular style with the carved grip and carved sheath was made for export in Thailand, circa the Vietnam War.

Similar souvenir dha:
[ Linked Image ]

Slightly older (1900 to 1930 ish):
[ Linked Image ]

Early to mid 1800's:
[ Linked Image ]

(Tip of the burgonet to B.S. for summoning me to answer this whatsit :) )

My humblest of thankyou's. I can't believe that after years of searching I had chanced upon your website a few months ago and just now registered. Not even 6 hours later i have the answers to questions that plagued me for nearly 20 yrs.. thank you thank you thank you. I am simply over joyed. Also thankyou for the PM i was sent you are all very generous to take the time to answer my questions without even knowing me.. simply thank you Jeremy Butterfield

Come for the dha, stay for the longswords! :D

I bought one of those in Ubon, Thailand, near the Cambodian border, in 1970 and still have it around the house, somewhere. Never knew what it was called until now. Paid the equivalent of $5 for it and was told by some of the other GIs that I could have gotten it for $2. Oh well.