Spunger, Agree that the straight gangya line means a really old blade; for the few really old blades I have the gangya is very narrow (this one is thick) & the file work is minimal on the guard side, as well, fully defined curves rather than waves. My guess is that the multi-waves didn't start untill late 18thC/early 19thC. My guess that this is mid 19thC or later is really because of the file work, but that may have been tweaked later. Still stick with the guess its horn because of the defined edges on it. & while I think its Tausug, I'll note that the Bugis did make thier own early files & horn was reserved for acts of bravery & awarded by ceremony.
|