Insights on unusual kampilan?

Oliver Pinchot · 18th September 2014, 05:39 PM

Yes, I see now. Type II it is, Ian.
I know that the record from the Higgins spelled it Malsbang, in a 1980s transcription of the original donors' (General Sage's grandsons) 1957 letter. Hardly a stretch to see where the S on the keyboard was struck in place of the A. Brigadier General Sage, at the time a captain, seems to have seen considerable action. He was actually stationed in the Philippines between 1898-1906, but I don't know if he was there for eight years consecutively. His grandsons donated several examples, including this kampilan, a datu's kris, and some barongs. Some were elaborately decorated, others were quite simple.

Spunjer · 18th September 2014, 06:57 PM

don't know if this is much of a help, Ian.
here's a picture of a Maranao datu, Datu Pagi. notice the kampilan on the the left

CharlesS · 18th September 2014, 07:10 PM

Spunjer,

Looks like that kampie is in a scabbard...or is it just my old eyes??? The blade's tip seems to be rounded like a scabbard tip, yet at the same time I am seeing a 'gleam' off it, so may just be the exposed blade. Seems to be some sort of bands there as well.

Your thoughts?

Spunjer · 18th September 2014, 07:55 PM

enlarging the picture on my personal file, it appears to be one of those open face scabbards. i'll do some editing with the lighting later on to get a better pic

Ian · 18th September 2014, 08:21 PM

Spunger:

Thanks for the photo. I enlarged it a bit and applied a central axis line over the blade. This kampilan appears to be a typical Type I although I cannot see the handle to determine if it has a "saddle."

The scabbard appears to be an edge guard that does not completely cover the blade, but just the sharpened edge and the tip. I have a similar guard for an old panabas that is tied on with strips of cloth. This one might be tied on with twine.

Ian.

Oliver Pinchot · 18th September 2014, 09:41 PM

This example, with an interesting pommel type I haven't seen before, was posted by our own good forum moderator Rick, about 12 years ago. I am posting only two pics, but hope Rick will join the conversation and upload others. This seems to be a Type III, Ian. It certainly has a saddle. Also wondering whether anyone has ever nailed down where this form is from?

18th September 2014, 06:57 PM	#2
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	don't know if this is much of a help, Ian. here's a picture of a Maranao datu, Datu Pagi. notice the kampilan on the the left Attached Images

18th September 2014, 08:21 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,167	Spunger: Thanks for the photo. I enlarged it a bit and applied a central axis line over the blade. This kampilan appears to be a typical Type I although I cannot see the handle to determine if it has a "saddle." The scabbard appears to be an edge guard that does not completely cover the blade, but just the sharpened edge and the tip. I have a similar guard for an old panabas that is tied on with strips of cloth. This one might be tied on with twine. Ian. Attached Images

18th September 2014, 09:41 PM	#6
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 456	This example, with an interesting pommel type I haven't seen before, was posted by our own good forum moderator Rick, about 12 years ago. I am posting only two pics, but hope Rick will join the conversation and upload others. This seems to be a Type III, Ian. It certainly has a saddle. Also wondering whether anyone has ever nailed down where this form is from? Attached Images

18th September 2014, 05:39 PM	#1
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 456	Yes, I see now. Type II it is, Ian. I know that the record from the Higgins spelled it Malsbang, in a 1980s transcription of the original donors' (General Sage's grandsons) 1957 letter. Hardly a stretch to see where the S on the keyboard was struck in place of the A. Brigadier General Sage, at the time a captain, seems to have seen considerable action. He was actually stationed in the Philippines between 1898-1906, but I don't know if he was there for eight years consecutively. His grandsons donated several examples, including this kampilan, a datu's kris, and some barongs. Some were elaborately decorated, others were quite simple.

18th September 2014, 07:10 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,855	Spunjer, Looks like that kampie is in a scabbard...or is it just my old eyes??? The blade's tip seems to be rounded like a scabbard tip, yet at the same time I am seeing a 'gleam' off it, so may just be the exposed blade. Seems to be some sort of bands there as well. Your thoughts?

18th September 2014, 07:55 PM	#4
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	enlarging the picture on my personal file, it appears to be one of those open face scabbards. i'll do some editing with the lighting later on to get a better pic