Last buy of 2008

[kai]

Hello Willem,

New school, as in "too new" ?
Depends on your taste, I guess. The blade is not that old to begin with (around 1930, I'd guess) and the file work is also of a lesser quality.

Or maybe even original to this scabbard ?

The scabbard could be original or as well be a later replacement. The belt hook does look fairly well made but it will probably difficult to establish wether it was original to the scabbard or even if it really is Moro...

I found this example of a "clasp" by Federico.

That looks more like an inserted piece of wood which I've seen with a few scabbards made from quality hardwood. Maguindanao scabbards made from cheaper wood (especially rattan) usually have the notch carved from a single piece like in Rick's pic.

Regards,
Kai