Thanks Detlef.
Since this one is not full tang construction, I doubt that it is Tagalog or Ilocano in origin (central and northern Luzon). It might be from the south of Luzon, possibly Bicolano, which has a closer affinity to Visayan sword design--that would be unusual for a military issue sword.
Ordinarily, I would agree with you about cleaning the blade and etching it, but this one has a lot of "character" and is probably a worthy old warrior that deserves to keep its age and dignity. The patina on the blade is dark and stable.
Sansibar is another name that could be applied to it. Matulis is a Tagalog word, and I don't think this is a Tagalog sword.
Ian.
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