Filipino blade - what do I have here?

kai · 31st January 2019, 09:52 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
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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)
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31st January 2019, 09:52 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	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 07:58 AM.