Minasbad, Tenegre?

[MacCathain]

I'm pleased my inquiry led to the sharing of the great information in this thread. Thanks to all of you who replied.

Any additional thoughts as to the holes in the dog's cheek? It doesn't seem to be a common feature, though there are one or two examples shown in the related threads. Perhaps evidence of the existence of a "retention strap ring" is a clue to age?

M

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by MacCathain

Any additional thoughts as to the holes in the dog's cheek? It doesn't seem to be a common feature, though there are one or two examples shown in the related threads. Perhaps evidence of the existence of a "retention strap ring" is a clue to age?

Hello MacCathain,

The last shown sword in post #8 has the holes as well. I've seen them mostly by dinahong-palay and sinampalok, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ighlight=bicol
I think they are not deep enough for rentention strap ring, but maybe a sign of age, newer ones seems to have this holes.

Regards,
Detlef

[kai]

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely? Then there seems to be a high probability that a retention strap (or a cord holding such a piece of cloth) ran through it. I doubt it has seen a lot of service though.

The example shown in post #8 also seems to have a similar hole; I can't remember any with typical minasbad though.

Based on the quite rare occurrence and apparent differences in age, I'd be inclined to vote for personal preference rather than indictors for age/origin.

BTW, the smaller holes indicate losses of decor.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Detlef typed faster again...

[MacCathain]

Originally Posted by kai

I assume the larger hole in your hilt goes through completely?

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by MacCathain

The holes don't go all the way through . . . both are about 7 mm deep. There's no evidence of wear on the inside of either one.

Like said, I think that this holes are pure decorative, I've seen them mainly by examples from WWII or later.

Regards,
Detlef