Greetings folks!
I just acquired this wonderful Filipino 1st Republic dagger that I believe belonged to a general.
Why do I believe that this is a general's dagger:
1. The mounts are silver.
2. A comment from Migueldiaz about this subject on generals and the wearing of their rank: "The only thing I can add is that Katipunan generals were the ones who used the flower and vines design, to signify their rank. Thus it wouldn't be far-fetched to think that they also used the same motif in their personal weapons and accessories."
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...+Filipino+Bolo
You will notice that there are in fact vine and floral motifs on the scabbard top and bottom.
3. If you look at a picture of General Malvar, you can see a nearly identical dagger hanging at his waist at the right side of the picture.