Old Spanish Colonial Sword with Inscription

RSWORD · 20th March 2006, 01:00 AM

Ian,

I would not rule out the Philippines on this piece. I sold a piece some months back in which the blade was near identical to yours but the handle was wood and was carved to resemble military sabers(it had a carved backstrap as i recall) from Mexico and the scabbard was carved of wood, with a raised throat and chape carved in imitation of leather and brass examples, again most probably from Mexico. The carving suggested strong Philippine origin but was obviously done in imitation of other swords. Was there a source for Mexican weapons in the Philippines at the turn of the century? The form copied seems mid-19th century if not a bit earlier as well. In any case, it was an interesting piece and over the years I have seen this blade style mounted up like Jim's example(bolo) so while not typical of Philippines I think there are enough examples around to give consideration.

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20th March 2006, 01:00 AM	#7
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,086	Ian, I would not rule out the Philippines on this piece. I sold a piece some months back in which the blade was near identical to yours but the handle was wood and was carved to resemble military sabers(it had a carved backstrap as i recall) from Mexico and the scabbard was carved of wood, with a raised throat and chape carved in imitation of leather and brass examples, again most probably from Mexico. The carving suggested strong Philippine origin but was obviously done in imitation of other swords. Was there a source for Mexican weapons in the Philippines at the turn of the century? The form copied seems mid-19th century if not a bit earlier as well. In any case, it was an interesting piece and over the years I have seen this blade style mounted up like Jim's example(bolo) so while not typical of Philippines I think there are enough examples around to give consideration.