Interesting WW2 Philippine machete sword ?

Rick · 11th November 2014, 12:26 AM

Agree with Ian; I think it's probably West Indies/S. American .

The hilt is also recognized as a Figa; a popular Brazilian charm .

drac2k · 11th November 2014, 02:54 AM

The "figa charm," motif held promise until I look it up ; a "figa fist," will have the thumb tucked under the forefinger .The fist that I have is clenching a bar,with tacks that could be interpreted in the shape of a cross.
The scabbard, although newer than the blade does have age and it is very well made; the cloth portion on the bottom is canvas; maybe this is to allow the blade to breathe or maybe it has some talismanic value.
I think the key to identification is the fist.

Robert · 11th November 2014, 03:58 AM

I must agree that this is most likely an African piece. The clenched fist was a common symbol used there as a sign of resistance and defiance just as it was in many countries other than the Philippines. The only thing that even looks remotely Philippine to me is the general styling of the leather sheath, but with the use of the brass eyelets, the manner in which the belt loops are attached and the tooling I think that the sheath was made post WWII and most likely somewhere south of the border as a replacement.

Best,
Robert

drac2k · 11th November 2014, 05:08 AM

I can't disagree with anything you say except the eyelets on the scabbard could be plastic, but I think they are bone and purely for ornamentation; there is nothing but stitching holding the sheath together, no brass. The belt loop is more like a bayonet frog and it is a separate piece, cleverly going through a loop on the backside, 2 fingers back, one forward (sorry better pictures would have shown that).
I don't know where it came from or how old, but it's well made.

Shakethetrees · 11th November 2014, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

The belt loop is more like a bayonet frog and it is a separate piece, cleverly going through a loop on the backside, 2 fingers back, one forward (sorry better pictures would have shown that).
I don't know where it came from or how old, but it's well made.

Now that I think of it, this "over and under" method of construction was used on pistol holsters from Mexico during the early 20th century.

I'm not sure if there is necessarily any direct link here, but I find it worth mentioning.

drac2k · 11th November 2014, 06:55 PM

Very interesting ; was this strictly 19th Century Mexican or also Colonial Spanish ?

Shakethetrees · 11th November 2014, 08:49 PM

It's hard for me to say. I have not made a study of earlier objects. The holsters were just adjuncts to a few revolvers I have either seen or owned over the years.

spiral · 11th November 2014, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

I can't disagree with anything you say except the eyelets on the scabbard could be plastic, but I think they are bone and purely for ornamentation; .

Bone wont do that job, in that manner at those dimesions, so there clearly plastic. Good close up photos would prove it though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

Now that I think of it, this "over and under" method of construction was used on pistol holsters from Mexico during the early 20th century..

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

Very interesting ; was this strictly 19th Century Mexican or also Colonial Spanish ?

Where did 19 th century come from on this detail?

spiral

11th November 2014, 12:26 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Agree with Ian; I think it's probably West Indies/S. American . The hilt is also recognized as a Figa; a popular Brazilian charm .

11th November 2014, 02:54 AM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	The "figa charm," motif held promise until I look it up ; a "figa fist," will have the thumb tucked under the forefinger .The fist that I have is clenching a bar,with tacks that could be interpreted in the shape of a cross. The scabbard, although newer than the blade does have age and it is very well made; the cloth portion on the bottom is canvas; maybe this is to allow the blade to breathe or maybe it has some talismanic value. I think the key to identification is the fist.

11th November 2014, 03:58 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I must agree that this is most likely an African piece. The clenched fist was a common symbol used there as a sign of resistance and defiance just as it was in many countries other than the Philippines. The only thing that even looks remotely Philippine to me is the general styling of the leather sheath, but with the use of the brass eyelets, the manner in which the belt loops are attached and the tooling I think that the sheath was made post WWII and most likely somewhere south of the border as a replacement. Best, Robert

11th November 2014, 05:08 AM	#4
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	I can't disagree with anything you say except the eyelets on the scabbard could be plastic, but I think they are bone and purely for ornamentation; there is nothing but stitching holding the sheath together, no brass. The belt loop is more like a bayonet frog and it is a separate piece, cleverly going through a loop on the backside, 2 fingers back, one forward (sorry better pictures would have shown that). I don't know where it came from or how old, but it's well made.

11th November 2014, 06:55 PM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,255	Very interesting ; was this strictly 19th Century Mexican or also Colonial Spanish ?

11th November 2014, 08:49 PM	#7
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	It's hard for me to say. I have not made a study of earlier objects. The holsters were just adjuncts to a few revolvers I have either seen or owned over the years.