Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons
FAQ Calendar Today's Posts Search

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 14th February 2024, 06:45 AM   #1
xasterix
Member
 
xasterix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 653
Default 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.
Attached Images
    
xasterix is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14th February 2024, 08:27 AM   #2
Ian
Vikingsword Staff
 
Ian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,194
Default

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?
Ian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14th February 2024, 09:09 AM   #3
xasterix
Member
 
xasterix's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Posts: 653
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ian View Post
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
xasterix is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.