Kampilan metal guards or "staples"

[Gavin Nugent]

Given the recent discussions across various posts and other historical posts, I'd like to explore the feature of the "staples" and various examples of the type.

There are a variety of metals used, Iron, brass, silver, and a variety of styles.

Whilst these are practical features, I can help but wonder if there was some intended mimicking of Spanish rapier guards with the twists and turns of some staple types, and I do recall seeing a guard that was drilled with the holes facing towards the blade, which, if it once had staples, would have been quite a sight as I'd have expected some sort of blade catching arrangement.

I'll start with these from within the forum pages. Whilst perhaps not the most exotic by design, they do seem to be amongst the rarest types.

[Rick]

Brass or bronze; one a sand casting, the other wrought.

[Battara]

Here are pictures of 1 of 3 kampilans I have.

This one is ivory with a silver staple:

[Battara]

Here is one kampilan that I once owned but sold to the Philippines.

The staple is made of bronze. This was my favorite staple.

[Rick]

Nice to see another cast bronze staple, Jose.
Talk about intricate work, nicely done.

[Gavin Nugent]

Originally Posted by Rick

Nice to see another cast bronze staple, Jose.
Talk about intricate work, nicely done.

Agreed, that is stunning old world workmanship.

I recall there was a silver one within these pages, cast in the form of snakes. Anyone know it?