Finally...Central Luzon origin

[Rafngard]

Hello all,

I just picked up another example of this style, with a clenched fist, and a carved horn scabbard. This time with a some what fanciful Bartolome style blade. Given the aluminum ferrule, I think this is perhaps 1940s, perhaps latter? In addition to the "Philippines" carved on the scabbard, there's also a "Tagumay" (perhaps related to "Tagumpay," or "Victory" as is found on many, many, post WWII Filipino weapons) carved on the handle.

I need to spend some time cleaning up the blade, and will post better pics after doing so.

Enjoy,
Leif

[Ian]

Leif:

I think there is an alternative explanation for Tagumpay. It could be the name of a town. There are many towns and areas named Tagumpay in the Philippines, but the most relevant may be a town in the province of Nueva Ecija which is also in Central Luzon and to the northeast of Pampanga.

The blade shape of your knife is what I would call a "double clip," a distinctive shape found in central and northern Luzon, and one that is seen quite commonly on Ilokano knives. The horn (?) sheath has a trilobed toe that is similar to many Ilokano leather sheaths of the early and mid-20th C.

So I think you have a Central Luzon knife of Ilokano style that could be first half or mid-20th C. The key will be the guard. If that is aluminum, then I think it is WWII vintage or a little later.

Ian

[Battara]

I agree with Ian. I would also note that this was made for returning GIs at that time. The thickness of the hilt and style of carving also shows a later vintage.

[Rafngard]

Thank you both for you comments. The guard is definitely aluminum, and the hilt and scabbard are definitely horn.

Thanks,
Leif

[Ian]

This is another characteristic knife from Apalit and has a little more carving on the hilt than usual. On this one the pommel has been carved in the likeness of the head of a water buffalo (carabao). Dated 1945, the wooden scabbard shows a "toe" similar to other examples here.


These are the dealer's pics. I will post better ones after it arrives.



Ian.

[Ian]

Here are additional pictures of the knife that I mentioned in the previous post. The thickness of the blade is only 1/8 inch just in front of the guard, and this is much thinner than the usual sturdy knives from Apalit. The metal disk guard is also unusual for an Apalit knfe. The septagonal-faceted hilt and characteristic pommel are similar to the plainer versions seen on most Apalit hilts.

The maker's mark at forte appears to be an "E" struck over an "M."

From the level of decoration on this one I would say it was probably made for sale to a foreigner.

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[Ian]

And here are some carabao heads and a profile of same for comparison. Some carabao have horns and others have had them removed or are juveniles.


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