Recognize this?

JeffS · 27th May 2025, 02:33 AM

This may be from Luzon but the blade is not typical. Diamond in cross section and features an engraving that feels European to me. There appears to be initials in the rectangle but I can't make out the letters clearly. Very difficult to photograph the pattern.

Jim McDougall · 27th May 2025, 05:15 PM

Tough one Jeff.
As you have noted, while in Filipino context, Luzon, approximated by the hilt presumably....the blade as often the case likely European. While I know little on SE Asian or the archipelagos as far as blade making, I dont think 'diamond section' was ever a form used in blades.

As far as the decoration, this loosely follows European conventions, including Spanish of course, but it seems rather crudely applied, perhaps in imitation of these types of panels on blades. Naturally Spanish styles were often copied in armor, helmets etc. so speculatively this instance might follow.

The blade has been too reprofiled to distinguish its original form.
Still, as always, the character of these colonially situated weapons is always intriguing.

Battara · 27th May 2025, 06:41 PM

Initials look like "P D".

It does look Luzon, and this might explain some crudeness in blade engraving vs European work.

Occasionally there are triangle profiles in Filipino blades, probably from Spanish pieces but modified.

This could very well be a Filipino piece. Looks that way to me.

Sajen · 28th May 2025, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Initials look like "P D".

It does look Luzon, and this might explain some crudeness in blade engraving vs European work.

Occasionally there are triangle profiles in Filipino blades, probably from Spanish pieces but modified.

This could very well be a Filipino piece. Looks that way to me.

Agree completely with Jose!

Rafngard · 28th May 2025, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

Initials look like "P D".

It does look Luzon, and this might explain some crudeness in blade engraving vs European work.

Occasionally there are triangle profiles in Filipino blades, probably from Spanish pieces but modified.

This could very well be a Filipino piece. Looks that way to me.

I 100% agree with this.

Thanks,
Leif

Sajen · 7th June 2025, 07:15 PM

This thread should be moved to the Ethno forum!

27th May 2025, 02:33 AM	#1
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 441	Recognize this? This may be from Luzon but the blade is not typical. Diamond in cross section and features an engraving that feels European to me. There appears to be initials in the rectangle but I can't make out the letters clearly. Very difficult to photograph the pattern. Attached Images

27th May 2025, 05:15 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,646	Tough one Jeff. As you have noted, while in Filipino context, Luzon, approximated by the hilt presumably....the blade as often the case likely European. While I know little on SE Asian or the archipelagos as far as blade making, I dont think 'diamond section' was ever a form used in blades. As far as the decoration, this loosely follows European conventions, including Spanish of course, but it seems rather crudely applied, perhaps in imitation of these types of panels on blades. Naturally Spanish styles were often copied in armor, helmets etc. so speculatively this instance might follow. The blade has been too reprofiled to distinguish its original form. Still, as always, the character of these colonially situated weapons is always intriguing.

27th May 2025, 06:41 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	Initials look like "P D". It does look Luzon, and this might explain some crudeness in blade engraving vs European work. Occasionally there are triangle profiles in Filipino blades, probably from Spanish pieces but modified. This could very well be a Filipino piece. Looks that way to me.

7th June 2025, 07:15 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,406	This thread should be moved to the Ethno forum!