A Filipino D-Guard oddity Bicol?

[Rafngard]

Hello All,

I recently acquired this blade at auction. And it's a bit of an odd ball. Normally I would associate a Filipino saber that has a d-guard with Luzon, but this one feels.... different. The grip in particular.

Federico and I keep going back and forth on this one. WWII (the star) and Bicol (based on the motif on the scabbard) is our best guess, but it's only a guess.
I'd love to hear other opinions.

Over all, in the scabbard, it's 30.25 inches (~76.8 cm) long. with a blade that is 24.25 inches( ~61 cm). The blade has a subtle distill taper, and a sharpened false edge (that I'm not sure is original).

Any thoughts?

Have fun,
Leif

[Ian]

Hi Leif:

Interesting sword and not easy to place. The one thing I feel confident in saying is that it is Filipino in origin!

I think the scabbard could be more recent than the sword, but not necessarily so. My first impression of the scabbard was a Visayan origin based on the angled string holder for the suspension system. The lightly engraved scroll work on the face looks odd for a Visayan origin, and might reflect Chinese or other influence. The five-pointed star has been on the Philippines flag since 1898 (starting with the so-called Aguinaldo Flag), and its presence here may be pointing back to the founding of the First Republic at that time.

I don't think this sword is as recent as WWII. I believe it could date from the late 19th C, and it has been well maintained and cleaned in recent times. There are examples of yelman on swords from the late Spanish Colonial period, and this sword seems to have some Spanish Colonial influence IMHO. [I can amplify on this when certain items currently up for sale have passed on to new owners.] ;) Unlike many Filipino swords, this one is well suited for stabbing, which was a feature more favored by the Spanish.

It's an odd sword and scabbard and I can see why you and Federico are puzzled by it. Perhaps one of our Filipino members can provide more accurate information.

Regards, Ian.

[Sajen]

Hi Leif,

My humble opinion would go with Frederico, the inclined hole for the suspension cord and the engravings on the scabbard let me think that it's indeed Bicolano in origin. My personal guess! ;) I would contact Xas by pm, he would be the person who would be able to tell you more!

Regards,
Detlef