The Tourist Item/Souvenier in arms antiquities

[Bob A]

Perhaps opinions can be developed regarding this barong, purportedly dating from the Phillippine revolt around 1900. The bullet hole appears to be .38 caliber. It was noted at the time that this round did not have adequate stopping power; the wounded would continue to advance. This prompted the move to .45 caliber handguns by the US Army.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Bob A

Perhaps opinions can be developed regarding this barong, purportedly dating from the Phillippine revolt around 1900. The bullet hole appears to be .38 caliber. It was noted at the time that this round did not have adequate stopping power; the wounded would continue to advance. This prompted the move to .45 caliber handguns by the US Army.

Piece with significant provenance. Bunti wood semi darkened with age, may indeed be from early 1900s...I saw this being sold on an online auction. May have been used by someone committing 'Parang Sabil'.

[Bob A]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Piece with significant provenance. Bunti wood semi darkened with age, may indeed be from early 1900s...I saw this being sold on an online auction.

Yes, that's where I found it.

May have been used by someone committing 'Parang Sabil'.

Suicide attack with sheathed blade?

That begs the question: just where would that fired round strike the attacker's body in such a situation?

Inspection of the bullet hole leads me to believe it occurred quite some time ago.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Bob A

Inspection of the bullet hole leads me to believe it occurred quite some time ago.

Hi Bob. You'll have to read up a bit on 'Parang Sabil' as there's a lot of misconception / misinterpretation about that. But in summary, Parang Sabil is a religious and patriotic commitment to defend the Moro homeland. It's not actually a suicide attack; it's a commitment and implementation to duty, to drive out foreign invaders / threats to the Sultanate. During the time Parang Sabils were committed against the Americans, however, the odds were against the Moros; that's why the Americans viewed it as a senseless, random suicide attack.

Regarding your bullet hole, since it has a corresponding mark on the scabbard, I'd say it was probably made on an unsuspecting / unprepared Moro. The weapon can be placed three ways, based on the pictures I've seen: tied at the waist, slung across one's chest, or tied near one's armpit.