Another Civil War Knife Sold On Ebay

[migueldiaz]

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

I has always amazed me how the Philippines seemed to be involved in suppling arms for the American Civil War.

Well what do you know? Now wonder we ran out of blades to use during the subsequent war

Congrats! And like Dimasalang, I also feel like shouting "argh!!" On the other hand, it's always comforting to know that it's now in very good hands.

It's definitely a Luzon piece (peened tang, twisted wire on hilt, blade profile, etc.), as am sure most can tell. One of its 'cousins' is with me (pic of sword attached). That one I have has horn hilt and twisted brass wire also.

As to the local name for a dagger, in Luzon it's called punyal (from Spanish puñal) or daga (from the Spanish daga, for dagger also).

[migueldiaz]

The thing am still finding out about these blades is the 'humpback' feature at the spine (the right end of the red dotted line in the att. pics).

Am not sure if this humpback feature points to a particular province or region in Luzon. Alternatively it can be a style that was broadly used. Am still not sure either way. Perhaps more pics can be posted in this thread so we put our minds together

p.s. - the pic with dark background is from erik farrow. the one with very light background is from artotec of ebay. thanks.

[migueldiaz]

Pics of other examples of humpback Luzon sundang (or tabak, and tabak is used if it is a war sword; while sundang is a generic word that can mean both a utility blade and a war sword), are attached.

[Robert]

For anyone thinking of pilfering my toys you will first have to get by my well trained attack animals. The cat will strategically place himself between your feet while you walk tripping you at every move while the basset will slobber on your hands making it imposable to grip any sharp pointy objects. Together the are a formidable team who have thwarted any and all attempts of anyone trying to remove my toys from the premises. Below is a picture of this mighty team waiting to spring into action at any given moment.

[Robert]

Migueldiaz, As for the 'humpback' feature you are referring to, I have a few examples that I will post in the mourning as it is late here and I am on my way to bed and sleep. I think all of the examples that I have with this shape are from Luzon but I will check and if there are others from any different locations I will post them as well.

My thanks to all who have commented so far on my latest addition.

Robert

P.S.
I know it looks like I am on the forum 24 hours a day but I just leave my computer on most of the time. It saves me alot of time this way.

[migueldiaz]

Thanks in advance, Robert!

[Lew]

Well I am sure when I get to the Baltimore show their will be quite a few tables with Philippine knives being passed off as civil war and revolutionary war trophies . It amazes me how dumb or even dishonest some of these sellers are. Even when you confront them and tell them what it is they refuse to believe you . Btw very nice snag congrats!