Authentic moro sword?.
 

Dear all,
Could you please help me identifying if this is an authentic moro sword?. :shrug:
Thanks in advance :)

Friendly regards,

Bart.

Hello Bart,

Yes, the blade is genuine: I'd estimate it to originate from 1900-1930, probably Sulu. BTW, try staining the blade to bring out the laminations!

Did this piece come directly from the Philippines? I'd guess it has been worked over recently: The asang-asang are replacements and the grip bindings look like replacements (in suitable style); I'm not so sure about the age of the pommel. Textile covered scabbards also seem a modern (post-WW2?) phenomenon, probably to cover up for having only wood of lesser quality available.

Still, the whole ensemble seems to be Moro (possibly Maguindanao) with an (almost) antique blade - that's pretty good to start a collection with... ;)

Regards,
Kai

I agree with you Kai. I'd say blade is authentic early 20th century and the rest is later. The head looks like aluminum, but not sure. The blade, scabbard, and style of hilt are Maguindanao, although the cloth looks Maranao (next door neighbors).

Nice start. Try the etching with some acid on the blade and see what you get. Good luck.

Thanks Jose,

I finally have all pics coming up: From the 4th pic from above, I'm also thinking Maguindanao blade - it's amazing how slight changes in the angle of the camera can distort lines. One really needs to have a scientific rather than art approach when documenting these blades...


I have a Sulu kris with a textile-decorated scabbard which hailed from Maranao area. Maybe this is a more recent Maranao "fashion?" I can't remember seeing any pieces exported from North or South Cota Bato with scabbards covered with Maguindanao cloth - anybody?

Regards,
Kai