V.N... on Filipino Scabbards
 

Mubahay!

I'm a new collector, and I have two pieces with V.N.<something> carved on them.
The first is a Samal Barung with V.N.B.E.L carved on the back of the scabbard. After receiving it, I did a google (and forum) search, found nothing, and shruged.

But today, I received a second piece, a (I think Vasayan garab) with V.N.III carved on the front of the scabbard.

I have a strong suspicion that both are WWII bring backs, and perhaps the V is for "Victory," commonly seen on WWII bring backs. But the N (let alone the other letters), I have no clue. :shrug:

I'm hoping someone on the forums will be able to educate me on this. I'm happy to hear any theories. :confused:

Thanks in advance,
Leif

Mabuhay Rafngard!

Welcome to our little forum! :D

For the barong, it looks a little older than WWII, although I think it was reinforced with the brass bands in WWII. I would think perhaps 1910s. Could be Samal, but little hard to ascertain for certain depending on age.

Regarding the other bolo, I would agree with you that it looks like a form of Visayan garab or talibon, possibly from the 1930s?

Better pictures would help. Please post them when the pieces come in.

Salamat!

Hello Battara,

I'll post more pics of the talibon, along with it's brother, in a new thread shortly. I've posted the Barung here before. Right here.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20087

Any thoughts on the V.N.<something>. Two very different pieces is a heck of a coincidence.

Salamat,
Leif