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Originally Posted by kai
Could this be a Lumad version/interpretation of a Moro kris? I certainly would like to see a decent pic of the gangya area but I've seen quite a few examples with that broad lower gangya and atypical file work (which I'd guess wouldn't be done by a traditional Moro bladesmith). Bagobo/T'boli/Tagakaolo pieces can vary widely in quality - from twisted core examples to poor ones merely clobbered together...
BTW, what's the blade's maximum thickness at the gangya area?
Are the clamps and other hilt fittings made from aluminium? I agree that this is most likely a recent revision/addition.
Regards,
Kai
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Kai, I have to look into the Lumad question, as I know nothing about them. But one impression I had was a copy; I was thinking a Chinese copy since I have seen some crude copies of nihonto. The point does not look right for Moro kris, but it does not look altered either. I can't decide if I would call it crude or amateurish. One other thing the handle is a very crude version/copy of a kakatua
I think the version/interpretation may be right on! Someone went to a great deal of trouble with ornamenting the handle and the clamps. I do think they are aluminum, and they show little signs of wear compared to the blade so I agree it was added much later. I'll measure the thickness and get back to you, I'm at work and don't have the sword with me, but it is very thin compared to my other Moro swords. I am not sure how the seller determined age, perhaps by the one-piece gangya. Just looking at the black rust on the blade and the wear, it gives the appearance of being old. I can’t explain why, but I like it. It feels like a weapon, not a wall hanger