Philippine sword; Insurrection piece or WW2?

drac2k · 18th September 2014, 01:17 AM

Well........I just saw the kampilan and the Luzon sword that I was outbid on, but I did manage to sneak one in. This was listed as an Italian knife because of the "MILANI," on the blade ; I believe it to be Philippine and it certainly is no knife.It has a heavy 18" long, 1/4" thick at the base ,almost yataghan like blade !
The only drawback on the sword is where some idiot sanded the blade,at the guard verticatally ;I've polished a lot of that out, but I don't want to do more and obliterate the writing.It is only really noticeable with the close up pictures.
Any ideas on the writing? Is it the maker? Any comments on the age ?

Timo Nieminen · 18th September 2014, 03:54 AM

"Victory" suggests end of WW2, but such can have been put on an older blade.

Is that an "E" in front of "MILANI"? Given that the "Victory" has a "|" at the end, perhaps this is just "MILAN" or "EMILAN".

drac2k · 18th September 2014, 05:10 AM

Funny, I couldn't make that word out, until after you stated it was "VICTORY,"and now it seems plain as day .

Shakethetrees · 18th September 2014, 05:28 AM

The vertical sanding marks are probably original finishing marks. I've seen a number of blades from the 19th century and later finished by powered grinders.

A lot of American, French English and German blades bear this trait. Yours might be a bit more pronounced, but, I will try to find some examples and post them.

This allows for more precise finishing of the end of the fuller and ricasso.

I wouldn't polish them out, unless you just want a nice, shiney blade.

drac2k · 18th September 2014, 05:50 AM

Thanks for the good advice !

Shakethetrees · 18th September 2014, 05:52 AM

Here are four examples of vertical sanding at the ricasso.

The first is a Nepalese Baker bayonet. The images show it as very light, but it's easier to see it in person.

The second is a French mid 19th century cavalry trooper's saber. (I'm not sure of the exact model date, but I'm confident of the general timeframe.)
Fairly clear here.

The third is an imported German (Solingen) made blade on a Model 1840 US cavalry enlisted saber with Confederate provenance. Again, very clear in hand, less so in the image.

The fourth is a Saxon heavy cavalry broadsword, c. 1730 that I posted to the European forum a month or so back. Fairly clear in the picture.

These four are what I could put my hands on with a few minutes notice. In time I could get a few dozen examples from all over the world.

But, and I think I belabored the point a bit, this was a very common finishing trait that was used all over the world, wherever powered machinery, (steam, water, electric, or other) was used.

drac2k · 18th September 2014, 02:17 PM

"A picture is worth a thousand words," so 4 pictures must be worth 4000 words!
Thanks for the information and the documentation ; more is usually better when it comes to knowledge . .

Battara · 19th September 2014, 05:45 AM

I will agree that your itak/bolo is WWII, but of exceptional quality in the hilt carving!

I would also say it is from Luzon, in fact, Tagalog. Great condition!

Robert · 19th September 2014, 09:25 AM

I turn my back for a few hours and something as nice as this shows up and I'm late to post.

Beautiful carving and great leather sheath in wonderful condition. I totally agree with Jose assessment of this piece and congratulate you on your good luck in finding this sleeper tucked away and misidentified like it was. Any time you are tired of looking at it feel free to send it my way.

Best,
Robert

Sajen · 19th September 2014, 10:08 AM

Hello Drc2k,

agree with the others, very nice WWII itak, great carving at the handle and beautiful leather scabbard. BTW, sorry for bidding you out by the other itak!

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 19th September 2014, 03:10 PM

No problem, one can't own everything(even though I would have loved to have that piece !).
Thanks to everyone for the information and the complements !

18th September 2014, 01:17 AM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	Philippine sword; Insurrection piece or WW2? Well........I just saw the kampilan and the Luzon sword that I was outbid on, but I did manage to sneak one in. This was listed as an Italian knife because of the "MILANI," on the blade ; I believe it to be Philippine and it certainly is no knife.It has a heavy 18" long, 1/4" thick at the base ,almost yataghan like blade ! The only drawback on the sword is where some idiot sanded the blade,at the guard verticatally ;I've polished a lot of that out, but I don't want to do more and obliterate the writing.It is only really noticeable with the close up pictures. Any ideas on the writing? Is it the maker? Any comments on the age ? Attached Images

18th September 2014, 05:52 AM	#6
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Here are four examples of vertical sanding at the ricasso. The first is a Nepalese Baker bayonet. The images show it as very light, but it's easier to see it in person. The second is a French mid 19th century cavalry trooper's saber. (I'm not sure of the exact model date, but I'm confident of the general timeframe.) Fairly clear here. The third is an imported German (Solingen) made blade on a Model 1840 US cavalry enlisted saber with Confederate provenance. Again, very clear in hand, less so in the image. The fourth is a Saxon heavy cavalry broadsword, c. 1730 that I posted to the European forum a month or so back. Fairly clear in the picture. These four are what I could put my hands on with a few minutes notice. In time I could get a few dozen examples from all over the world. But, and I think I belabored the point a bit, this was a very common finishing trait that was used all over the world, wherever powered machinery, (steam, water, electric, or other) was used. Attached Images

18th September 2014, 03:54 AM	#2
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	"Victory" suggests end of WW2, but such can have been put on an older blade. Is that an "E" in front of "MILANI"? Given that the "Victory" has a "\|" at the end, perhaps this is just "MILAN" or "EMILAN".

18th September 2014, 05:10 AM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	Funny, I couldn't make that word out, until after you stated it was "VICTORY,"and now it seems plain as day .

18th September 2014, 05:28 AM	#4
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	The vertical sanding marks are probably original finishing marks. I've seen a number of blades from the 19th century and later finished by powered grinders. A lot of American, French English and German blades bear this trait. Yours might be a bit more pronounced, but, I will try to find some examples and post them. This allows for more precise finishing of the end of the fuller and ricasso. I wouldn't polish them out, unless you just want a nice, shiney blade.

18th September 2014, 05:50 AM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	Thanks for the good advice !

18th September 2014, 02:17 PM	#7
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	"A picture is worth a thousand words," so 4 pictures must be worth 4000 words! Thanks for the information and the documentation ; more is usually better when it comes to knowledge . .

19th September 2014, 05:45 AM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,221	I will agree that your itak/bolo is WWII, but of exceptional quality in the hilt carving! I would also say it is from Luzon, in fact, Tagalog. Great condition!

19th September 2014, 09:25 AM	#9
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I turn my back for a few hours and something as nice as this shows up and I'm late to post. Beautiful carving and great leather sheath in wonderful condition. I totally agree with Jose assessment of this piece and congratulate you on your good luck in finding this sleeper tucked away and misidentified like it was. Any time you are tired of looking at it feel free to send it my way. Best, Robert

19th September 2014, 10:08 AM	#10
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hello Drc2k, agree with the others, very nice WWII itak, great carving at the handle and beautiful leather scabbard. BTW, sorry for bidding you out by the other itak! Regards, Detlef

19th September 2014, 03:10 PM	#11
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	No problem, one can't own everything(even though I would have loved to have that piece !). Thanks to everyone for the information and the complements !