Moro Pira Sword antique or new production?
 

I bought this sword recently and was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is a new production sword or an antique. The seller said he thinks its a new production. total length of 32-1/4" / 81.5cm. The blade alone is 22-1/2" / 57cm. The blade is thickest near the base at 5mm.

Did they make blades like the one in the post above me for local use in recent times, or is this another tourist-souvenir blade?

Does anyone have any more info on this? 5mm does seem a bit thin for an older blade, but the shape of the pira is more reminiscent of what I associate as being the older kind than what I typically associate with newer pira, which I usually see taking this shape:

http://i56.tinypic.com/210kajc.jpg
(This pira was made in 1995 and is from Basilan)

Hallo,

when it is a recent one it has a good trim to look old. From the pictures I would say old. :shrug:

Regards,

Detlef

THE FIRST ONE IS RECENT , I HAVE ONE WITH THE HORN HANDLE MINE ORIGINATED IN PANAY WHERE A DEALER WAS SELLING THEM ON EBAY. NOT BAD WORKMANSHIP AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT THOUGH THE BLADES ARE A BIT THIN.
THE SECOND ONE IS A CURRENT FORM OF PIRA WITHOUT THE LONG BACK SPIKE ON THE HANDLE. I HAVE AN EXAMPLE THAT WAS MADE AROUND 1945 SO THE FORM HAS BEEN AROUND FOR QUITE A WHILE BUT I DON'T KNOW WHEN OR WHERE IT ORIGINATED.

Yes, recently made piece in fairly traditional style. AFAIK, these blades were crafted in Marawi; I'd guess that the Panay dealer also sourced Barry's example from Marawi...

Regards,
Kai

Kai and vandoo, thank you both. Whenever I am curious about something, you either have the answer for it, or have answered it before. Great stuff.