Authentic moro sword?.

kai · 27th October 2007, 02:28 PM

Hello Bart,

Yes, the blade is genuine: I'd estimate it to originate from 1900-1930, probably Sulu. BTW, try staining the blade to bring out the laminations!

Did this piece come directly from the Philippines? I'd guess it has been worked over recently: The asang-asang are replacements and the grip bindings look like replacements (in suitable style); I'm not so sure about the age of the pommel. Textile covered scabbards also seem a modern (post-WW2?) phenomenon, probably to cover up for having only wood of lesser quality available.

Still, the whole ensemble seems to be Moro (possibly Maguindanao) with an (almost) antique blade - that's pretty good to start a collection with...

Regards,
Kai

27th October 2007, 02:28 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Bart, Yes, the blade is genuine: I'd estimate it to originate from 1900-1930, probably Sulu. BTW, try staining the blade to bring out the laminations! Did this piece come directly from the Philippines? I'd guess it has been worked over recently: The asang-asang are replacements and the grip bindings look like replacements (in suitable style); I'm not so sure about the age of the pommel. Textile covered scabbards also seem a modern (post-WW2?) phenomenon, probably to cover up for having only wood of lesser quality available. Still, the whole ensemble seems to be Moro (possibly Maguindanao) with an (almost) antique blade - that's pretty good to start a collection with... Regards, Kai