Should I file this as a Piha Kaeta?
 

The blade of this unusual item looks very much like a traditional Piha but this example lacks many of the adornments. Also, the 1899 date is very late for these knives. Could this be a damaged older knife that had been re-handled for late 19th century tourist trade, or am I misreading the knife?

Thanks.
N2s

Chamorro knife?
 

I would look into a Guam/Chamorro origin, it resembles several Chamorro knives I’ve owned in the past. The 1899 date is significant (independence from Spain). I posted one here not too long ago.

Not identical but similar

vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=30994&highlight=Chamorro

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

The Chamorro knives usually have a different structure with a broad spine and tang that end with a pommel plate.

Here are a couple of examples from my collection:

N2s

I think that it's a simple Phia Kaeta indeed! :)

I have a very similar one but it's for sale so I can't show it here.

Regards,
Detlef

Thanks for the feedback and good luck with your sale. I never considered there might be different grades of these knives and was only familiar with the evolution of the knives from the earlier pieces with pronounced blades to the latter examples where the decorative panels overtook much of the blade, and finally where the expensive handle material is reduced to buffalo horn.

N2s

Hi N2s,

See here for another simple one: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ht=piha+kaetta

Regards,
Detlef