Filipino blade - what do I have here?

kai · 31st January 2019, 08:52 PM

Hello forumites!

This piece got me stumped:

Blade with single bevel on the right hand side (left side flat except for a tiny bit of edge wear) - not with a broad chisel grind as in most Visayan blades though; full tang construction consistent with Luzon (influence).

The horn hilt nicely carved with silver ferrule and silver pommel cap (both octagonal); tang peened over a brass disk; copper pin visible on both sides near ferrule (possibly securing the blade?).

I seem to remember blades of similar profile being attributed to Bicol...

Thanks for any comments/pointers!

Regards,
Kai
--
Specs:
sword length 564 mm (22.2")

blade length 421 mm (16.6")
max. blade width 39.3 mm (1.55"); at base max. 30.2 mm and min. 25.8 mm (1.19"/1.02")
blade thickness: at base 5.85 mm (0.23"); 1/3rd 3.9 mm (0.15"); 2/3rd 3.3 mm (0.13")

weight 504 g (1 lb 1.8 oz)

POB 90 mm (= 331 mm from tip)
--

kai · 31st January 2019, 09:08 PM

Here is a thread with another old piece with similar blade - different hilt though...
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?p=237387

Regards,
Kai

kai · 31st January 2019, 09:13 PM

P.S.: Note the maker's mark(?) at the base of the blade (right hand side)!

carlos · 2nd February 2019, 05:05 PM

Beautiful blade! Do you know age aproximatelly? Thanks

Battara · 2nd February 2019, 05:33 PM

I would put the blade as Tagalog, though some might argue that it is Ilokano.

xasterix · 2nd February 2019, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I would put the blade as Tagalog, though some might argue that it is Ilokano.

The sheath will be the deciding factor =)

kai · 3rd February 2019, 02:23 AM

Thanks Carlos!

Quote:

Beautiful blade!

I hope so...

Quote:

Do you know age aproximatelly?

Certainly not my forte; however, going by the hilt's carving, materials, and craftsmanship, I'd estimate it around the turn of the 20th century, possibly even 19th c.

I believe there is a tendency to underestimate the age of Luzon blades with monosteel blades.

Regards,
Kai

kai · 3rd February 2019, 06:48 PM

Bringing over the info kindly provided in the other thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by xasterix

Your blade profile is what is called "dahong buho" or "dinahong buho", common among several towns in the province of Laguna, Luzon. As for the hilt, that's a curious style, and echoes antique iterations of 'tabak' and 'dahong palay/dinahong palay'. I'm guessing yours was made in Laguna as well.

31st January 2019, 08:52 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Filipino blade - what do I have here? Hello forumites! This piece got me stumped: Blade with single bevel on the right hand side (left side flat except for a tiny bit of edge wear) - not with a broad chisel grind as in most Visayan blades though; full tang construction consistent with Luzon (influence). The horn hilt nicely carved with silver ferrule and silver pommel cap (both octagonal); tang peened over a brass disk; copper pin visible on both sides near ferrule (possibly securing the blade?). I seem to remember blades of similar profile being attributed to Bicol... Thanks for any comments/pointers! Regards, Kai -- Specs: sword length 564 mm (22.2") blade length 421 mm (16.6") max. blade width 39.3 mm (1.55"); at base max. 30.2 mm and min. 25.8 mm (1.19"/1.02") blade thickness: at base 5.85 mm (0.23"); 1/3rd 3.9 mm (0.15"); 2/3rd 3.3 mm (0.13") weight 504 g (1 lb 1.8 oz) POB 90 mm (= 331 mm from tip) -- Attached Images Last edited by kai; 1st February 2019 at 06:58 AM.

31st January 2019, 09:08 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Possibly related? Here is a thread with another old piece with similar blade - different hilt though... http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?p=237387 Regards, Kai

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31st January 2019, 09:13 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	P.S.: Note the maker's mark(?) at the base of the blade (right hand side)!

2nd February 2019, 05:05 PM	#4
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 755	Beautiful blade! Do you know age aproximatelly? Thanks

2nd February 2019, 05:33 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	I would put the blade as Tagalog, though some might argue that it is Ilokano.