Possable Philippine First Republic Dagger

Ian · 8th August 2015, 04:53 AM

Robert:

I agree that the blade and its markings look as though they come from the Philippine Revolutionary/First Republic period. The triangle around a radiant sun face are typical nationalistic marks from that time. The hilt and sheath I'm not so sure about.

I cannot recall seeing another Filipino knife with a crocodile/snake/lizard skin sheath. Of course it could have been custom made, but it is not in keeping with usual Filipino craftwork.

Parts of the hilt also do not seem to fit the period. The horn(?) guard and brass ferrule(s) could certainly be from the time period of the Revolution and shortly afterwards, but the horn(?) handle with inlaid dots is unusual for then (I generally associate that style with later in the 20th C.).

Just a few thoughts and I look forward to hearing from other forumites more familiar with the Philippines Revolutionary/First Republic period (1896-1901).

Ian.

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8th August 2015, 04:53 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,523	Robert: I agree that the blade and its markings look as though they come from the Philippine Revolutionary/First Republic period. The triangle around a radiant sun face are typical nationalistic marks from that time. The hilt and sheath I'm not so sure about. I cannot recall seeing another Filipino knife with a crocodile/snake/lizard skin sheath. Of course it could have been custom made, but it is not in keeping with usual Filipino craftwork. Parts of the hilt also do not seem to fit the period. The horn(?) guard and brass ferrule(s) could certainly be from the time period of the Revolution and shortly afterwards, but the horn(?) handle with inlaid dots is unusual for then (I generally associate that style with later in the 20th C.). Just a few thoughts and I look forward to hearing from other forumites more familiar with the Philippines Revolutionary/First Republic period (1896-1901). Ian.