Aloha Bowl swap meet find

[FilAmfighter1]

I believe what I have found in an example of a Katipunan knife. I was purchase froma filipino man at the Aloha swap meet last year he told me it was really old and he bought from another older guy. I paid him 40.00 US. This blade is 17 1/4 inches over all with blade length of 11 1/8th. The handle is made of looks to be carabo horn and the hand guard is made of cast brass and a effigy that looks like a Moro with a head band this what looks to be silver wire(?) for eyes and the jewelry in head piece. If I am correct that would put this knife in time of about 1894-1896. There was no leather shieth and the tip is slightly bent, possibly from being throw. a small chip is missing fron the head piece otherwise it is over in good shape. My question to the group is what region was this knife made in? I look at it and think Illacano? From Luzon? Any help would be good.

[Robert]

Hello FilAmfighter1, It looks like you've got what I believe is called a "sinan-tattao" a Ilocano piece from Northern Luzon. Hopefully Lorenz or one of the other experts on the forum will comment on this and give you a positive ID on it. As for age, "IF" the silver looking pieces are actually silver it could be anywhere from the late-19th C to the 1930s but if they are aluminum then WWII or later. A very nice piece and a great addition to your collection.

Robert

[Indianajones]

Hi, here's another example with aluminium insets. All I know is they are from Luzon. This one had a name 'Frank Fienman' in the blade 'hammered'. The blade was actually quite thick (7mm) near grip.

[Robert]

For reference a post made by Lorenz. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12209 (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12209)

Robert

[Battara]

Very close Gav, the name for the whole piece is sinan-kapitan.

Great find for a swap meet! I agree with Gav's great analysis. :)

Ilocos Norte is on the east side of the island of Luzon.

The "silver" looks like aluminum to me and so I would place it at WWII era. Close ups of the mounts would help.

[FilAmfighter1]

Guys that was great info about my blade! My wife's family comes from Illocos Norte! It had very Illicanco feel to it. Tell about the man on the hilt and what he is wearing if you can. also that link was great. Thanks a bunch!