Info on Luzon sword

JeffS · 4th November 2024, 10:35 AM

Hello - Hoping that members may have some insights on this sword. Larger than any other Luzon blade in my collection with 55cm blade. Full grind both sides.

Ian · 5th November 2024, 01:49 PM

Hi Jeff,

Better pictures would help. Views of the hilt and guard from different angles, and a picture of the sword in its scabbard would be helpful.

Couple of quick thoughts. The scabbard looks relatively recent (or recently sanded and polished) and the rattan strips look very new. How old would you estimate this sword? Also, a blade of 55 cm (21.6 in) is fairly long for a Luzon sword, but there are quite a few of that length or longer.

JeffS · 5th November 2024, 03:23 PM

Thanks Ian for taking a stab. I did take one other shot earlier showing the peen and handle angles (below) and can try to take more before I leave town if there is further interest after seeing this one. I don't have a frame of reference for estimating the age of the sword, I'm hoping the design itself will provide clues. The length and profile seem to indicate a weapon vs all-purpose bolo which perhaps narrows down potential windows. I'm assuming Luzon because of the peen and double grind. It was pretty beat up with extensive nicks from what looked like blade to blade strikes and it was later sharpened with an electric tool with extensive chatter on the blade. I polished these out. I see what you mean on the scabbard but thinking it may be a result of over cleaning by previous owner, it has seen wear and has losses around throat and toe, picture below gives a better sense of condition, the wood does not smell recent. I would guess last half of 20th C or perhaps WWII. The rattan is new, I had just started to add the binding myself before taking the pictures. It had cheap twine holding it together that I couldn't live with. It looks like it may have had metal bands at some point based on marks as seen at throatof scabbard.

JeffS · 6th November 2024, 02:10 AM

Some more photos. Spine and lamination patterns revealed by light vinegar etch. These are unusual in that they are very different on each side, and strangely straight on the one side which I haven't seen before.

4th November 2024, 10:35 AM	#1
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 345	Info on Luzon sword Hello - Hoping that members may have some insights on this sword. Larger than any other Luzon blade in my collection with 55cm blade. Full grind both sides. Attached Images

5th November 2024, 03:23 PM	#3
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 345	Thanks Ian for taking a stab. I did take one other shot earlier showing the peen and handle angles (below) and can try to take more before I leave town if there is further interest after seeing this one. I don't have a frame of reference for estimating the age of the sword, I'm hoping the design itself will provide clues. The length and profile seem to indicate a weapon vs all-purpose bolo which perhaps narrows down potential windows. I'm assuming Luzon because of the peen and double grind. It was pretty beat up with extensive nicks from what looked like blade to blade strikes and it was later sharpened with an electric tool with extensive chatter on the blade. I polished these out. I see what you mean on the scabbard but thinking it may be a result of over cleaning by previous owner, it has seen wear and has losses around throat and toe, picture below gives a better sense of condition, the wood does not smell recent. I would guess last half of 20th C or perhaps WWII. The rattan is new, I had just started to add the binding myself before taking the pictures. It had cheap twine holding it together that I couldn't live with. It looks like it may have had metal bands at some point based on marks as seen at throatof scabbard. Attached Images

6th November 2024, 02:10 AM	#4
JeffS Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Singapore Posts: 345	Some more photos. Spine and lamination patterns revealed by light vinegar etch. These are unusual in that they are very different on each side, and strangely straight on the one side which I haven't seen before. Attached Images

5th November 2024, 01:49 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Hi Jeff, Better pictures would help. Views of the hilt and guard from different angles, and a picture of the sword in its scabbard would be helpful. Couple of quick thoughts. The scabbard looks relatively recent (or recently sanded and polished) and the rattan strips look very new. How old would you estimate this sword? Also, a blade of 55 cm (21.6 in) is fairly long for a Luzon sword, but there are quite a few of that length or longer.