A Filipino Oddity....A Pir-Rong???!!!

CharlesS · 16th June 2010, 04:33 PM

This is composite with a purpose; I agree with David.

I have no idea why these various features are found together but they show too much wear, tear, and heavy patina to have been exclusively tourist.

I have no idea what the answer is, but it is no typical toy or souvenir.

Sajen · 16th June 2010, 08:02 PM

Hello Charles,

I have followed this strange sword on e-bay also and have been sure that all is "original" old. When I see it now by your better pictures I am convinced by this opinion. I think that we only can guess how this Pira blade get this handle and sheath. Maybe break the handle and sheat and the owner give the blade this strange dress by what reason ever.

I personally like this sword, congrats for this nice addition to your collection.

Detlef

RSWORD · 16th June 2010, 09:02 PM

I think it should be called Bapiraong.

FilAmfighter1 · 16th June 2010, 11:34 PM

I think that this blade started in one live in one place, was damaged in use and the next life was re-fitted with parts from another area in travel and then finally in its third life it was finished with the last part the sheath. I have heard that some blades had parts made by three people and if a blade was broken then it would be fixed whereever they were at that time.

Nathaniel · 16th June 2010, 11:56 PM

Great Composite piece! Love the Pira style blade.

Lew · 17th June 2010, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

This is composite with a purpose; I agree with David.

I have no idea why these various features are found together but they show too much wear, tear, and heavy patina to have been exclusively tourist.

I have no idea what the answer is, but it is no typical toy or souvenir.

Charles the wear and tear could have happened after it was brought home. That square guard just looks slapped on to me with it's pointy edges and the brass work on the scabbard does not strike me as Philippine tribal? It just looks like it was put together from spare parts a good pira blade a hilt from a barong and the ferrule reminds me of the recent Moro stuff you see on ebay these days. This is probably Vietnam era or a bit earlier IMO.

migueldiaz · 17th June 2010, 01:20 AM

Charles, that's an interesting sword. Thanks for sharing.

I have a pira (pic below) which blade is similar to yours. Maybe they are contemporaries.

Battara · 17th June 2010, 03:19 AM

Actually later piras morphed into this form of blade. I would say that it is a pira with a barong hilt. The hilt does not seem Bagobo or Tboli but later Moro. The brass pierced pieces on the scabbard are Moro done in older traditional style.

Nice later Moro piece.

tom hyle · 25th June 2010, 04:35 AM

I just picked one up with a hoof-shaped handle. Ebay number will be provided when I get to it.....Sheath on mine is in style of kris sundang.

tom hyle · 25th June 2010, 04:37 AM

ebay #370390711941

Battara · 25th June 2010, 06:03 AM

Tom I'm not sure this is the same thing...

tom hyle · 25th June 2010, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by migueldiaz

Charles, that's an interesting sword. Thanks for sharing.

I have a pira (pic below) which blade is similar to yours. Maybe they are contemporaries.

Migueldiaz, what is the cross-section like on your sword? Is that a "shandigan" blade with a thickened reinforced cutting edge?

tom hyle · 25th June 2010, 11:21 AM

BTW, I like when Moro sheaths are together with pegs; it's a bit unusual to other cultures, even in the region.

16th June 2010, 11:34 PM	#4
FilAmfighter1 Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Torrance Posts: 49	Refitting of an old blade I think that this blade started in one live in one place, was damaged in use and the next life was re-fitted with parts from another area in travel and then finally in its third life it was finished with the last part the sheath. I have heard that some blades had parts made by three people and if a blade was broken then it would be fixed whereever they were at that time.

17th June 2010, 01:20 AM	#7
migueldiaz Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Manila, Phils. Posts: 1,042	Charles, that's an interesting sword. Thanks for sharing. I have a pira (pic below) which blade is similar to yours. Maybe they are contemporaries. Attached Images

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16th June 2010, 04:33 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	This is composite with a purpose; I agree with David. I have no idea why these various features are found together but they show too much wear, tear, and heavy patina to have been exclusively tourist. I have no idea what the answer is, but it is no typical toy or souvenir.

16th June 2010, 08:02 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Hello Charles, I have followed this strange sword on e-bay also and have been sure that all is "original" old. When I see it now by your better pictures I am convinced by this opinion. I think that we only can guess how this Pira blade get this handle and sheath. Maybe break the handle and sheat and the owner give the blade this strange dress by what reason ever. I personally like this sword, congrats for this nice addition to your collection. Detlef

16th June 2010, 09:02 PM	#3
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,086	I think it should be called Bapiraong.

16th June 2010, 11:56 PM	#5
Nathaniel Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 865	Great Composite piece! Love the Pira style blade.

17th June 2010, 03:19 AM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Actually later piras morphed into this form of blade. I would say that it is a pira with a barong hilt. The hilt does not seem Bagobo or Tboli but later Moro. The brass pierced pieces on the scabbard are Moro done in older traditional style. Nice later Moro piece.

25th June 2010, 04:35 AM	#9
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	I just picked one up with a hoof-shaped handle. Ebay number will be provided when I get to it.....Sheath on mine is in style of kris sundang.

25th June 2010, 04:37 AM	#10
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	ebay #370390711941

25th June 2010, 06:03 AM	#11
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Tom I'm not sure this is the same thing...

25th June 2010, 11:21 AM	#13
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	BTW, I like when Moro sheaths are together with pegs; it's a bit unusual to other cultures, even in the region.