Luzon Spears

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Maurice

Hello Detlef,

On images of igoroth spears out of old collections, or museumpieces, the spearheads all have the usual "average" colour.
I was thinking they might start making them dark about a certain period.
Maybe it is possible to tell more about the age of these spears according to the (latter?) black colour..??

Kind Regards,
Maurice

Maybe Nonoy know something about this?
My both spears are definitely old, they have a good old patination but of course I don't know how old, I don't have a provenance.

Kind regards,

Detlef

[Nonoy Tan]

The black colouration on the pair of spears (with male and female anthropomorphic figures) could be the result of staining. On the other hand, the dark colouration on the spear with multiple barbs could be the result of old rust and application of used motor oil (which is a common practice among the locals) in the past.

Maurice, your idea of making the metal darker as a result of the forging process (or type of raw material) is a real possibility in my opinion. My guess is that this would likely occur post WWII.

Bill, thank you for the feedback.

[Battara]

These types of spears throw me because I have never seen them in the old turn of the century accounts. I think that the post-WWII attribution may be right, Nonoy Tan.

[Robert]

Hello, This finish is known as forge black. I learned about it originally from a blacksmith quite a few years ago.
After a quick on-line search I found this modern "How To". I hope that this might be of some help in possibly determining why these have their black appearance.

How To Achieve Forge Black Iron Rustproofing and Metal Finish

This metal finish is known among aficionados of forged iron metal work as FORGE BLACK,
and it derives from a technique dating back over a thousand years. This method is an
attractive finish and a very early method for the rust proofing of iron.

The metal is first meticulously cleaned with 00 emery cloth or steel wool,
then washed with denatured alcohol, shellac grade. This is to remove all grease and dirt.
Do this with clean cloth or paper gloves on so that further grease from handling is not deposited.


As soon as this is dry, coat with linseed oil by wiping, brushing or spraying.
Immediately heat over the forge with air flow applied. This adds free carbon to the burning oil
and an enamel like finish will eventually result, once the oil is all burned off.
Do not heat above black. When the piece stops smoking, remove, cool, and wipe with a cloth to
remove free soot. This leaves a good black finish and has been used for ages as an initial treatment
for iron, with defeat of rust as its main ideal.

Robert

[Battara]

Robert thanks - that makes a lot of sense. I can do this with my torch in a simpler way (and sometimes happens anyway) when working with iron or steel.

[Nonoy Tan]

Robert, thank you for sharing this information.

[migueldiaz]

nonoy, juynboll's 1920s catalogue has such a spear. in the description the only word i can recognize is "ifugao". maybe our dear dutch friends can help us out with the translation