Mystery sword?

[Emanuel]

Hello,

Here is another unknown (to me) weapon http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1%2C1%2C1%2C1%2C1%2C1%2C1,1&item=6624188765&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I find it very beautiful, especially the nicely carved hilt, but I have no idea what it is. The base of the blade looks like it has some ricikan, so It may be from the Indo-Malay archippelago, and it has a Filipino look about it. I noticed some forum members bid on and won it, could you comment on it?

Thanks and regards,
Manolo

[tom hyle]

Southern PI, I think, though I'd love some solid/specific information. The pommel is a stylized animal head (bat?), and the sword might be classed as a parang nabur, although the longish clipped tip might not be "right"........? Nice looking sword. The handle is almost certainly horn, rather than wood.

[Battara]

Some have said in the past PI. I move more towards Indonesia. I have seen these closeup and although it has a certain look, I don't know of any PI piece like it, but more similar pieces from Indonesia. More research will be helpful.

[tom hyle]

Strongest ID to me of these as PI is the modern chrome plated one I saw with "Phillipines" written in the blade steel. The hilts bear a resemblance to some seen around the Visayan sea....?