A very nice keping for our records

Ian · 25th June 2023, 04:23 PM

Hi Detlef,

That's an interesting Maranao piece from early to mid-20th C. The up-curled guard is very similar to some pre-WWII pieces from the Lake Lanao region. There are gunong from that same period that have up-curved guards also, and these might reflect the fancy plumage of the sarimanok totem (discussed elsewhere on this Forum).

The blade is probably a Maranao version of a barung, but it might also be from Zamboanga as it is rather narrow overall and quite wide adjacent to the hilt. The straight section of the spine from the point of maximum width down to the tip is also seen on some Palawano barung blades.

The John Paul Jones "coin" refers to the commander of the Revolutionary Navy in the war of the American Colonies against Britain. John Paul Jones died in 1792. This particular coin came out of a MAZUMA GUM packet made by the Chiclet Company. The coin was made in 1934 and was worth "Mazuma" 10 cents play money (see pics). Interesting old piece of Americana!

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Sajen · 25th June 2023, 09:44 PM

Hi Ian,
Thank you for further information about this nice sword!

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 25th June 2023, 11:26 PM

I posted this one five years ago. At the time, it was discussed that the Mandaya attribution was probably wrong, and that this was more likely a Maranao piece made in the mid-20th C. Having seen a few more of this type, I'm even more inclined to label it as Maranao, even though it may have been collected from a Mandayan man.

Similar upturned ends to the guard.

Battara · 27th June 2023, 01:58 AM

I agree with Ian that this is a Maranao manufacture and I agree with his age estimate.

These were picked up later by Maranao and the okir designs would also be Maranao.

25th June 2023, 04:23 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	Hi Detlef, That's an interesting Maranao piece from early to mid-20th C. The up-curled guard is very similar to some pre-WWII pieces from the Lake Lanao region. There are gunong from that same period that have up-curved guards also, and these might reflect the fancy plumage of the sarimanok totem (discussed elsewhere on this Forum). The blade is probably a Maranao version of a barung, but it might also be from Zamboanga as it is rather narrow overall and quite wide adjacent to the hilt. The straight section of the spine from the point of maximum width down to the tip is also seen on some Palawano barung blades. The John Paul Jones "coin" refers to the commander of the Revolutionary Navy in the war of the American Colonies against Britain. John Paul Jones died in 1792. This particular coin came out of a MAZUMA GUM packet made by the Chiclet Company. The coin was made in 1934 and was worth "Mazuma" 10 cents play money (see pics). Interesting old piece of Americana! . Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 25th June 2023 at 11:30 PM. Reason: Added pics and details about coin. Grammar

25th June 2023, 11:26 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	I posted this one five years ago. At the time, it was discussed that the Mandaya attribution was probably wrong, and that this was more likely a Maranao piece made in the mid-20th C. Having seen a few more of this type, I'm even more inclined to label it as Maranao, even though it may have been collected from a Mandayan man. Similar upturned ends to the guard. Attached Images

25th June 2023, 09:44 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,272	Hi Ian, Thank you for further information about this nice sword! Regards, Detlef

27th June 2023, 01:58 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,310	I agree with Ian that this is a Maranao manufacture and I agree with his age estimate. These were picked up later by Maranao and the okir designs would also be Maranao.