Visayan Insurrection Sword

[drac2k]

I was lucky enough to win this sword at auction ;it was listed as a WW2 sword taken from a Japanese soldier in the Philippines. I thought maybe it was taken by the Japanese from a Philippine soldier fighting with the Americans ; I was very excited when I read the following on this historically dated inscription:
"Bolo captured
--------(can't make out the name),Philippine Islands
the insurrectionist who
carried this weapon
was killed in battle
with American troops"
Another paragraph of history added to my collection where I honor both the brave American soldiers and the fierce Philippine fighters.
P.S. the blade measures 18.25" and the handle approx. 5.5"

[Battara]

Nice piece, congratulations! Nice condition too.

[Sajen]

Very nice tenegre with unusual guard for a Visayan sword. Is the ferrule from silver? Could be that the scabbard has had once alternating bands from thin carved horn bands and brass bands. See for example here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11550&highlight=binangon
I like the flat deity head on this one. Congratulation for this nice and somewhat unusual addition to your collection.

Regards,
Detlef

[drac2k]

Thanks guys ; I think the ferrule is silver.

[Dimasalang]

Very nice. Looks like the location might say Ilo Ilo in the Visayas region. :shrug: That is where most of the fighting took place between Filipinos and Americans. Got any better pics?

[Battara]

I agree Kevin, better pictures of the label would help.

[drac2k]

I think you guys are right :I'll try again, but that part of the writing is worn out in some places.

[Ian]

Drac2k:

If you could use some indirect lighting and avoid the flash I think you may get something that could be edited to show the complete inscription.

Ian