Old Spanish (?) blade in Visayan dress

[RobT]

Ian,

Since we were just discussing “Philippine Bowies”, if you add a guard to your blade and replace it with an appropriate hilt, what would you have? I’d be willing to bet that the blade is 19th century. I was looking at the “EMS” engraving and, from the photo, it appears to be initials and a last name (E M SOLxxx). You have the piece in hand so you can confirm whether or not this is possible. As you said, it is a well done blade and far better than its current dress. That being said, the current dress is plain and functional but not shabby or unattractive and would be perfectly acceptable on a lesser blade.

Sincerely,
RobT

[Ian]

Hi Rob,

Yes, I thought the same thing! The inscription is actually easier to see in the photographs than in hand. There might well have been a more complete name than just initials.

[Interested Party]

I saw "E.M. SOLIS." Though it could be "E.M.SOL.IS." as well.