Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Ian · 6th July 2014, 04:38 PM

I agree with Battara on the dating. Hard to say whether S. Luzon or Visayan in origin.

The cut out finger grip is something I have only seen from 1946 and later on Philippine swords and knives. Presumably this was introduced as a result of GI involvement in the Visayas during late WWII. The earliest example I have is dated 1946 on one of those aluminum-handled small knives that came from Cebu City. These were obviously made for sale to US servicemen at the time and later to tourists. Nonetheless they are well made and have decent blades. I've picked up a few over the years.

I don't have a picture of the 1946 dated one, but attached are pictures of a similar one with the origin--CEBU CITY--clearly shown. This knife is not chisel-ground.

So another possibility for your sword might be Cebu.

6th July 2014, 04:38 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,034	I agree with Battara on the dating. Hard to say whether S. Luzon or Visayan in origin. The cut out finger grip is something I have only seen from 1946 and later on Philippine swords and knives. Presumably this was introduced as a result of GI involvement in the Visayas during late WWII. The earliest example I have is dated 1946 on one of those aluminum-handled small knives that came from Cebu City. These were obviously made for sale to US servicemen at the time and later to tourists. Nonetheless they are well made and have decent blades. I've picked up a few over the years. I don't have a picture of the 1946 dated one, but attached are pictures of a similar one with the origin--CEBU CITY--clearly shown. This knife is not chisel-ground. So another possibility for your sword might be Cebu. Attached Images