Unusual Chinese sword

RSWORD · 28th June 2015, 07:37 PM

I agree with the consensus! I think it is Filipino. The lamination is typical for there, the banding at the block type forte, and I think the quillon is a snake or naga versus a dragon. The grip and ferrule are even quite Filipino. I bet we can find some similar blades in prior posts with similar hilts.

Robert · 28th June 2015, 08:37 PM

Yes definitely Filipino. A wonderful piece and a great addition to your collection. When you get tired of looking at it you can send it my way.

If this were listed on a certain online auction it would most likely be described as a Civil War D-guard bowie.

Best,
Robert

Jim McDougall · 28th June 2015, 08:53 PM

I'm curious what Philip said on this, he knows these weapons backward and forward

Whatever the case, its fascinating to see these hudeidao filtered into other cultures as a number of amazing examples Gav has shown over the years.

Timo Nieminen · 29th June 2015, 02:13 AM

Reminds me of this one: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19754

Rick · 29th June 2015, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Timo Nieminen

Reminds me of this one: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19754

Yeah, that's the one that came immediately to mind for me too .

Robert · 29th June 2015, 07:53 AM

And here is one I have in my collection with a blade profile and chisel work (though a little more elaborate) that is somewhat similar to Peter's example, but with a medial ridge on both sides of the blade more like Spunjar's example shown in the link. Even though Spunjar's and my own example do not show any signs of Chinese influence they do show some similarity in overall style.

Peter Dekker · 29th June 2015, 09:51 AM

Thanks for sharing guys, very interesting! That horn handle is beautiful.

Although I'm not entirely convinced mine is filipino, it most certainly shows a strong relationship to these with the chiseled forte and the leaf shaped blade.

More Sinified aspects of mine is the straighter shape and the way it builds up width from the forte, giving it more of a Chinese "feel" to it. Compare that effect to, for example, these:

Chiseled engravings on blades, were also quite common (and often floral) in Vietnam.

All considering, we might assess it originated somewhere around the South China sea area, sharing shores with South China, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Would you guys agree?

29th June 2015, 07:53 AM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	And here is one I have in my collection with a blade profile and chisel work (though a little more elaborate) that is somewhat similar to Peter's example, but with a medial ridge on both sides of the blade more like Spunjar's example shown in the link. Even though Spunjar's and my own example do not show any signs of Chinese influence they do show some similarity in overall style. Attached Images Last edited by Robert; 29th June 2015 at 08:07 AM.

28th June 2015, 07:37 PM	#1
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,087	I agree with the consensus! I think it is Filipino. The lamination is typical for there, the banding at the block type forte, and I think the quillon is a snake or naga versus a dragon. The grip and ferrule are even quite Filipino. I bet we can find some similar blades in prior posts with similar hilts.

28th June 2015, 08:37 PM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Yes definitely Filipino. A wonderful piece and a great addition to your collection. When you get tired of looking at it you can send it my way. If this were listed on a certain online auction it would most likely be described as a Civil War D-guard bowie. Best, Robert

28th June 2015, 08:53 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,284	I'm curious what Philip said on this, he knows these weapons backward and forward Whatever the case, its fascinating to see these hudeidao filtered into other cultures as a number of amazing examples Gav has shown over the years.

29th June 2015, 02:13 AM	#4
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Reminds me of this one: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19754

29th June 2015, 09:51 AM	#7
Peter Dekker Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kingdom of the Netherlands Posts: 64	Thanks for sharing guys, very interesting! That horn handle is beautiful. Although I'm not entirely convinced mine is filipino, it most certainly shows a strong relationship to these with the chiseled forte and the leaf shaped blade. More Sinified aspects of mine is the straighter shape and the way it builds up width from the forte, giving it more of a Chinese "feel" to it. Compare that effect to, for example, these: Chiseled engravings on blades, were also quite common (and often floral) in Vietnam. All considering, we might assess it originated somewhere around the South China sea area, sharing shores with South China, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Would you guys agree?