Pirate swords and weapons

Jim McDougall · 4th March 2025, 04:57 PM

Rick and Ian, thank you so much guys!
That example you show Rick, is amazing, and I remember you posting it years ago. What I noticed is the unusual squiggle (?) type guard. The wrap on the grip seems to resemble that on my example (attached).

My example acquired about 40 years ago, has a cloth tied to the hilt. I have heard the tales offered to explain its purpose, but as always take these mostly as collectors lore in 'western' parlance having little to do with the actual purpose or perhaps 'meaning'.

Ian, thank you for the detailed notes on this. It is fascinating to learn more on these, which in my admitted lack of knowledge in this area has simply relegated the kampilan to the Moro's without really considering other tribal use in the larger sphere.
The notion of a curved blade on one of these, even to my uninitiated perspective , seems very unusual, and my thought would be probable European influence or even one of their blades. As always, maybe just the artists license.

I added the other sword I have from this sphere, a mandau, again from about 40 years ago, which I have never regarded as particularly old, but carried out in traditional manner and decoration.

What was the significance of that unusual element on the back of the blade near the hilt?

4th March 2025, 04:57 PM	#34
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,196	Rick and Ian, thank you so much guys! That example you show Rick, is amazing, and I remember you posting it years ago. What I noticed is the unusual squiggle (?) type guard. The wrap on the grip seems to resemble that on my example (attached). My example acquired about 40 years ago, has a cloth tied to the hilt. I have heard the tales offered to explain its purpose, but as always take these mostly as collectors lore in 'western' parlance having little to do with the actual purpose or perhaps 'meaning'. Ian, thank you for the detailed notes on this. It is fascinating to learn more on these, which in my admitted lack of knowledge in this area has simply relegated the kampilan to the Moro's without really considering other tribal use in the larger sphere. The notion of a curved blade on one of these, even to my uninitiated perspective , seems very unusual, and my thought would be probable European influence or even one of their blades. As always, maybe just the artists license. I added the other sword I have from this sphere, a mandau, again from about 40 years ago, which I have never regarded as particularly old, but carried out in traditional manner and decoration. What was the significance of that unusual element on the back of the blade near the hilt? Attached Images