British India, US English bowie??? can you identify

[RobT]

Hi All,

The knife could be from WWII but, given the piercing and carving at the base of the blade, the carving on the clip point, the ricasso, and the single bevel, I think that it could be just post the Spanish/American war. When taken together, the aforementioned features appear to be geared more to a native Philippine aesthetic than for US servicemen tastes. Not that there is anything wrong with them (I have a good number), but this knife just doesn't look like the typical Ilocano WWII bing back souvenir bowie. I forgot to say when I first responded to this post but the blade, hilt, and sheath are all really nice. Well done Phil.reid. Where exactly did you say your flea market is located?

Sincerely,
RobT

[wildwolberine]

Originally Posted by RobT

I forgot to say when I first responded to this post but the blade, hilt, and sheath are all really nice. Well done Phil.reid. Where exactly did you say your flea market is located?

Agreed, beautiful knife!

[phil.reid]

Originally Posted by wildwolberine

Agreed, beautiful knife!

Lovel ndeed, photos dont do justice to how nice the knife is.

[Sajen]

Just to clarify, it's a beautiful blade. WWII period doesn't mean that it's one of the typical bring backs from this time, by far a different quality.

[Ian]

Hi Phil,

Another great find. I agree that this is from the Philippines, and with the reasoning that this knife may well be from the late 19th or early 20th C based on its style and quality. I do see a strong Spanish influence with its pierced ricasso. Whether it is from the Batangas/Lake Taal area or a little further north is open to debate, but that's a fine point of detail.

[phil.reid]

Originally Posted by RobT

Hi All,

The knife could be from WWII but, given the piercing and carving at the base of the blade, the carving on the clip point, the ricasso, and the single bevel, I think that it could be just post the Spanish/American war. When taken together, the aforementioned features appear to be geared more to a native Philippine aesthetic than for US servicemen tastes. Not that there is anything wrong with them (I have a good number), but this knife just doesn't look like the typical Ilocano WWII bing back souvenir bowie. I forgot to say when I first responded to this post but the blade, hilt, and sheath are all really nice. Well done Phil.reid. Where exactly did you say your flea market is located?

Sincerely,
RobT

Blades beautiful quality and remined me of some of the British india bowies ive owned, the back scalloped edge reminded me of some early US blades. Im keeping stum about my flea market but Australia has an amazing array of collections.