3 Philippine Swords

drac2k · 11th April 2018, 05:39 AM

I should have clarified that the edge of the bevel of 1/8" on the spine is at the base; after 5" it tapers down to an edge of about 1/64".
On the bottom the max. width is at the 1st notch of about 1/8";3/4" after the 2nd notch, it becomes very sharp.
Thanks again for the info.

Ian · 11th April 2018, 09:45 AM

Hi drac:

I pretty much agree with Kai. The top one is a ginunting, most likely Central Luzon (possibly Pampangan or Ilokano). The second one is an Ilokano "kris." The third one is Mandayan. Based on the materials and styles, I think all three are likely mid-20th C +/- a decade.

Ian.

drac2k · 11th April 2018, 02:46 PM

The ginunting ( I didn't know what it was until kai identified it), I tend to think that it is older than mid-century for several reasons. The definition that I found for this item was as a jungle machete, however, in my estimation, it is too heavy to be practical for this use.Next, the item is simple, but very well made and not with aluminum fittings, but with brass and copper and I believe that the mid-century ones tended to be smaller and the guard done away with.The workmanship of the handle and the guard is also consistent with other examples of early 20th century swords that I have encountered.
The Ilokano Kris(thanks for identifying it), I have no problem with the age you ascribed it, however, I wouldn't be surprised if it dated significantly older.
In regards to the Mandayan Bolo(Also a first for me until Rick, Ron, and Battera told me what it was), is startling to hear the general consensus that it is the newest of the three.To me, the quality and the simple beauty of the blade, which to me is one of the most elegant forms that I have held, to be made by a wartime smith or after is unexpected.
Thanks for comments and imput !

Sajen · 11th April 2018, 11:40 PM

Hello Drac2k,

you got a really good Mandaya bolo in very good condition, when you ever get tired to look at it.....

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 12th April 2018, 05:46 AM

Thanks, Detlef; I had never seen one before(didn't even know what it was), until it walked up to me with various other items and the guy asked me if I wanted to buy them.

11th April 2018, 05:39 AM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,294	I should have clarified that the edge of the bevel of 1/8" on the spine is at the base; after 5" it tapers down to an edge of about 1/64". On the bottom the max. width is at the 1st notch of about 1/8";3/4" after the 2nd notch, it becomes very sharp. Thanks again for the info.

11th April 2018, 09:45 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,519	Hi drac: I pretty much agree with Kai. The top one is a ginunting, most likely Central Luzon (possibly Pampangan or Ilokano). The second one is an Ilokano "kris." The third one is Mandayan. Based on the materials and styles, I think all three are likely mid-20th C +/- a decade. Ian.

11th April 2018, 02:46 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,294	The ginunting ( I didn't know what it was until kai identified it), I tend to think that it is older than mid-century for several reasons. The definition that I found for this item was as a jungle machete, however, in my estimation, it is too heavy to be practical for this use.Next, the item is simple, but very well made and not with aluminum fittings, but with brass and copper and I believe that the mid-century ones tended to be smaller and the guard done away with.The workmanship of the handle and the guard is also consistent with other examples of early 20th century swords that I have encountered. The Ilokano Kris(thanks for identifying it), I have no problem with the age you ascribed it, however, I wouldn't be surprised if it dated significantly older. In regards to the Mandayan Bolo(Also a first for me until Rick, Ron, and Battera told me what it was), is startling to hear the general consensus that it is the newest of the three.To me, the quality and the simple beauty of the blade, which to me is one of the most elegant forms that I have held, to be made by a wartime smith or after is unexpected. Thanks for comments and imput !

11th April 2018, 11:40 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,415	Hello Drac2k, you got a really good Mandaya bolo in very good condition, when you ever get tired to look at it..... Regards, Detlef

12th April 2018, 05:46 AM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,294	Thanks, Detlef; I had never seen one before(didn't even know what it was), until it walked up to me with various other items and the guy asked me if I wanted to buy them.