Bicol sword for comment

[Sajen]

Some time ago I have acquired this sword. I think it is a Bicol sword although the tang don't go through the handle but all other features let me think that it is from there. What you think?
The sword is still in the States because the seller want to use this weird "Global Shipping Program". Will post other pictures when I have received it.

[Battara]

I was thinking near WWII Visayan by the look of the hilt and scabbard.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Battara

I was thinking near WWII Visayan by the look of the hilt and scabbard.

Hi Jose,

I really don't think that it is Visayan, the blade isn't chiseled and the scabbard reminds me for example to this one: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=bicol

Also the handle look like the inaso handles from Bicol. But of course I could be wrong.

Regards,
Detlef

[Ian]

I agree with Battara on the dating. Hard to say whether S. Luzon or Visayan in origin.

The cut out finger grip is something I have only seen from 1946 and later on Philippine swords and knives. Presumably this was introduced as a result of GI involvement in the Visayas during late WWII. The earliest example I have is dated 1946 on one of those aluminum-handled small knives that came from Cebu City. These were obviously made for sale to US servicemen at the time and later to tourists. Nonetheless they are well made and have decent blades. I've picked up a few over the years.

I don't have a picture of the 1946 dated one, but attached are pictures of a similar one with the origin--CEBU CITY--clearly shown. This knife is not chisel-ground.

So another possibility for your sword might be Cebu.

[Sajen]

Thank you Ian! Agree by the age estimation; around WWII seems nearby. But still see by the scabbard and hilt (inaso) Bicol influence.

Regards,
Detlef

[VVV]

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