My New PI 1st Republic General's Dagger

kino · 7th October 2013, 02:53 AM

Impressive!!!
Love the stars on the scabbard.
I recall Miguel Diaz mentioning that Filipino Christian and Muslim blades have symbols of heaven and the underworld on their weapons. I think this is a good example the stars representing heaven and the serpent the underworld.
Congrats on a good find.

Battara · 7th October 2013, 04:39 AM

Thank you everyone so far. Heaven and underworld, and bayawak - things to consider.

Once again, as I was praying for God to show me what to get, this sat in a glass case and no one, not even the famous eBay dealers, either saw or went for it.

Yes a great replacement for 2 of lower (but very good) quality that were stolen.

Another example of how God makes something good come out of somethings bad, at least in my life.

If you can find more information on your suggestions that would be great. I do know that the 3 stars at least represent the 3 sections of the Philippines in union for the cause: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao (and adjacent islands).

Robert · 14th October 2013, 12:32 AM

What an absolutely magnificent dagger Jose. I have always wanted and have been looking for another example of these serpent hilt daggers or swords ever sense I first saw Carlos's example. I absolutely agree that this was a very high ranking officer's personnel weapon and more than likely (because of the reasons state by you and others) did belong to a general. There are just a couple of questions I have about it. First, is the blade the same on both sides or is the other side flat or slightly concave? Second, is the scabbard just leather or is it leather over wood? Other than that, all I can really say is I am very happy that you have been so fortunate to have been able to acquire this wonderful piece to hopefully help take some of the sting out of your earlier unfortunate loss. Congratulation my friend. Looking forward to seeing more photos.

Best,
Robert

Battara · 15th October 2013, 12:06 AM

Robert, there is a raised median ridge on both sides of the blade. Blade is roughly flat.

Also the scabbard is silver over thick leather - no wood. Surprised it has lasted this long.

mdp10003 · 16th October 2013, 09:21 PM

Wowwwwww! Absolutely stunning! I agree with the consensus, including that it probably was for someone with the rank of general - the silver mounts and detailing is something only of high rank could get. Again, wow! (And slightly green with envy, but it is great that it has a good home!)

mdp10003 · 17th October 2013, 02:15 AM

By the way, I am not sure it is widely known, but the mythical sun with three stars in a triangle is more than just a symbol - it is actually the official coat of arms of the First Philippine Republic. And yes, the three stars are the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Dimasalang · 24th October 2013, 09:00 PM

Haven't been here in awhile. Looks like I been missing out!
AWESOME piece Jose!!!

My dream to own one of these.
Just let me know when you looking to sell. HAHA

7th October 2013, 02:53 AM	#1
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Impressive!!! Love the stars on the scabbard. I recall Miguel Diaz mentioning that Filipino Christian and Muslim blades have symbols of heaven and the underworld on their weapons. I think this is a good example the stars representing heaven and the serpent the underworld. Congrats on a good find.

7th October 2013, 04:39 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Thank you everyone so far. Heaven and underworld, and bayawak - things to consider. Once again, as I was praying for God to show me what to get, this sat in a glass case and no one, not even the famous eBay dealers, either saw or went for it. Yes a great replacement for 2 of lower (but very good) quality that were stolen. Another example of how God makes something good come out of somethings bad, at least in my life. If you can find more information on your suggestions that would be great. I do know that the 3 stars at least represent the 3 sections of the Philippines in union for the cause: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao (and adjacent islands).

14th October 2013, 12:32 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	What an absolutely magnificent dagger Jose. I have always wanted and have been looking for another example of these serpent hilt daggers or swords ever sense I first saw Carlos's example. I absolutely agree that this was a very high ranking officer's personnel weapon and more than likely (because of the reasons state by you and others) did belong to a general. There are just a couple of questions I have about it. First, is the blade the same on both sides or is the other side flat or slightly concave? Second, is the scabbard just leather or is it leather over wood? Other than that, all I can really say is I am very happy that you have been so fortunate to have been able to acquire this wonderful piece to hopefully help take some of the sting out of your earlier unfortunate loss. Congratulation my friend. Looking forward to seeing more photos. Best, Robert

15th October 2013, 12:06 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Robert, there is a raised median ridge on both sides of the blade. Blade is roughly flat. Also the scabbard is silver over thick leather - no wood. Surprised it has lasted this long.

16th October 2013, 09:21 PM	#5
mdp10003 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28	Wowwwwww! Absolutely stunning! I agree with the consensus, including that it probably was for someone with the rank of general - the silver mounts and detailing is something only of high rank could get. Again, wow! (And slightly green with envy, but it is great that it has a good home!)

17th October 2013, 02:15 AM	#6
mdp10003 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28	By the way, I am not sure it is widely known, but the mythical sun with three stars in a triangle is more than just a symbol - it is actually the official coat of arms of the First Philippine Republic. And yes, the three stars are the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

24th October 2013, 09:00 PM	#7
Dimasalang Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 264	Haven't been here in awhile. Looks like I been missing out! AWESOME piece Jose!!! My dream to own one of these. Just let me know when you looking to sell. HAHA