WW2-era Philippine blade: Pangasinan talunasan
 

Sharing a recent acquisition for comment, and curious to see similar pieces.

This talunasan (part of a lot) is a WW2 variant with rounded-sharp tip carried by resistance officers in Northern Luzon. The blade is engraved "SWORD OF WAR 1941-1946" with PH and US flags on one side, while there are foliate designs on the other side.

The blade measures 28.5in, the overall sword measurement is 34.5in. The hilt is carabao horn, with a brass ferrule and steel handguard. Spine measurement at base is 0.8cm, distal taper is apparent at half of the blade length. The last 1/3rd going to tip has some flexibility (but not as flexible as Moro kampilan).

The late Sgt. Leo Giron, a Pangasinense and bemedalled WW2 veteran, preferred a similar talunasan variant with an angled tip. Credits to foremost blade expert Sali Nagarajen for blade ID.

Great sword Xas. I've heard of these but never seen one before. Very unusual blade form and clearly intended as a cutting rather than a stabbing weapon. The substantial blade length seems to be characteristic of several WWII swords in the Philippines.


Have you seen any other examples of this particular sword?

Thanks Ian! The late Sgt Giron commissioned several postwar replicas of his original talunasan. Here's a video feature of them. I believe the 3rd from top is the oldest:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/CTs0HWZrKXg