Classic Bikol Minasbad

[CharlesS]

Here is a recently acquired Bikol minasbad that conforms to many of the swords most familiar features. This one includes its rather practical, plain, unartistic scabbard. The sword's hilt is rather crudely carved horn, with an iron hand and finger guard. The nicely balanced blade is in good shape and features a floral pattern chiseled on one side close to the spine.

Enjoy, and comments welcomed.

Dimensions:
Overall length: 29in.
Blade length: 19.5in.
Blade's widest point 1.75in.
Thickness of the blade at the forte: just short of 1/2 in.(!!!)

[kai]

Congrats, a really nice, complete example, Charles!

Regards,
Kai

[Ian]

Hi Charles,

Very nice and complete, as Kai noted. It even has the filework along the edge side of the short ricasso. I'd put this at early 20th C, or a bit before.

Ian

[Battara]

Nice! I think it once had silver pieces on it - I can see little nail holes where the silver would have been.

[CharlesS]

Battara, you may be seeing some light reflection or age cracks, but there are no holes.

[Sajen]

Hello Charles,
Very nice minasbad! :) I am green with envy! ;) :D

Regards,
Detlef