I agree that at least according to the Bob Cato trunk theory, this blade would be Maranao (has the Maranao bulge). Though after handling some strange pieces lately, I am starting to wonder how well that Maranao/Maguindanao disctinction can really hold.
As for dating, everytime I say pre-1930 many people assume that Im saying the piece is 1930, when in fact I am just saying all I know is that since it has a separate gangya, then it at least was made be 1930, how far before I have no idea. For all I know it could have been made in 1801. In his book Moro swords, he has some more dating info on Maguindanaoan pieces between 1900-20 and 1920-40, but well that only applies to Maguindanaoan pieces. Anyways, there is always the idea as time went by the swords got bigger, so the longer/thicker one could try assuming that means newer (I know a number of people who are dead certain of this). But then there is always that guy in 1801 who wanted a huge sword. My own gut feeling on this piece is that Kai is right, and it is early American period eg. 1900-1920, but that is just a gut feeling, and not something I would put money on.
Oh well just the .0002 cents of another hobbiest
