Souvenir Talibong or Garab

[kai]

Hello Steve,

There is a chance that the blade may be older and recycled (despite the intact edge). Could you add a pic of the reverse side of the blade, please?

The wood and craftsmanship are good but I don’t know the type of wood.

Have you handled the rather brittle hardwood typical for antique scabbards from Samar & E Leyte?

Regards,
Kai

[Ferguson]

Kai,
Here is a picture of the reverse side of the blade. It shows the hardened edge. Also, pictures of a smaller talibon with a scabbard made from the same reddish wood. Might it be Narra? Both scabbards do seem to be brittle wood.
Thanks,
Steve

[Ian]

Hi Steve:

Thanks for the extra pics. I'm not seeing anything here to suggest that the blade is an older one that has been refitted. It all looks WWII vintage to me.

Part of the inscription seems to be obscured by one of the rattan strips. I'm thinking that the "M...M 3/c" probably refers to "Machinist Mate third class" which would be this guy's navy rank.

Ian

[Ferguson]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Steve:

Thanks for the extra pics. I'm not seeing anything here to suggest that the blade is an older one that has been refitted. It all looks WWII vintage to me.

Part of the inscription seems to be obscured by one of the rattan strips. I'm thinking that the "M...M 3/c" probably refers to "Machinist Mate third class" which would be this guy's navy rank.

Ian

Thanks Ian. I agree that it was a new blade when sold. The inscription was painted around the rattan strips and probably does refer to a Machinist's Mate.
Steve

[kai]

Hello Steve,

Here is a picture of the reverse side of the blade. It shows the hardened edge. Also, pictures of a smaller talibon with a scabbard made from the same reddish wood. Might it be Narra? Both scabbards do seem to be brittle wood.

How thick are these scabbards (without the hanger block)?

A pic of the broken area of the second scabbard might also help... (Taken with lots of light, preferably in full sun!)

Regards,
Kai