Bicol sword for comment

Ian · 6th July 2014, 04:38 PM

I agree with Battara on the dating. Hard to say whether S. Luzon or Visayan in origin.

The cut out finger grip is something I have only seen from 1946 and later on Philippine swords and knives. Presumably this was introduced as a result of GI involvement in the Visayas during late WWII. The earliest example I have is dated 1946 on one of those aluminum-handled small knives that came from Cebu City. These were obviously made for sale to US servicemen at the time and later to tourists. Nonetheless they are well made and have decent blades. I've picked up a few over the years.

I don't have a picture of the 1946 dated one, but attached are pictures of a similar one with the origin--CEBU CITY--clearly shown. This knife is not chisel-ground.

So another possibility for your sword might be Cebu.

Sajen · 6th July 2014, 06:16 PM

Thank you Ian! Agree by the age estimation; around WWII seems nearby. But still see by the scabbard and hilt (inaso) Bicol influence.

Regards,
Detlef

VVV · 6th July 2014, 09:06 PM

Please delete...

Sajen · 11th July 2014, 11:27 PM

Just have purchased this sword (see pictures) and I think that this is a Bicol sword as well. And now compare the both handles, you will see that the inaso (dog head) handle is very similar in style. So when I am correct with the origin of the second sword you will know why I am thinking that the first shown sword is a Bicol sword.

Sajen · 11th July 2014, 11:32 PM

Here two pictures of the handles side by side for better viewing.

Robert · 12th July 2014, 12:40 AM

Maybe this will help. Who can resist a smile like these.

Ian · 12th July 2014, 04:14 AM

Robert:

I'm really not seeing much similarity here except for the toothy grin. These are very different swords and likely from different regions IMHO.

The sword you posted has an octagonal horn hilt and iron ferrule, versus a rectangular wooden hilt and no ferrule. The hilt on yours is full tang versus partial tang in the original example. The figural carvings on the pommels look like two different entities (apart from the "grin"). Your example has a carved handle versus no carving on the other one.

The shape of the blades is quite different. And the scabbards are totally different--yours is leather in the Central or Northern Luzon style, and the original example is wooden and perhaps more like a Visayan piece (as noted by Battara) or Southern Luzon.

I would say your example is more likely from Batangas or thereabouts.

Ian.

Sajen · 12th July 2014, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert

Maybe this will help. Who can resist a smile like these.

Thank you very much Robert! BTW, like you see I wasn't able to resist!

Regards,
Detlef

6th July 2014, 04:38 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	I agree with Battara on the dating. Hard to say whether S. Luzon or Visayan in origin. The cut out finger grip is something I have only seen from 1946 and later on Philippine swords and knives. Presumably this was introduced as a result of GI involvement in the Visayas during late WWII. The earliest example I have is dated 1946 on one of those aluminum-handled small knives that came from Cebu City. These were obviously made for sale to US servicemen at the time and later to tourists. Nonetheless they are well made and have decent blades. I've picked up a few over the years. I don't have a picture of the 1946 dated one, but attached are pictures of a similar one with the origin--CEBU CITY--clearly shown. This knife is not chisel-ground. So another possibility for your sword might be Cebu. Attached Images

11th July 2014, 11:27 PM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Just have purchased this sword (see pictures) and I think that this is a Bicol sword as well. And now compare the both handles, you will see that the inaso (dog head) handle is very similar in style. So when I am correct with the origin of the second sword you will know why I am thinking that the first shown sword is a Bicol sword. Attached Images

11th July 2014, 11:32 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Here two pictures of the handles side by side for better viewing. Attached Images

12th July 2014, 12:40 AM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Maybe this will help. Who can resist a smile like these. Attached Images

12th July 2014, 04:14 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Not much in common Robert: I'm really not seeing much similarity here except for the toothy grin. These are very different swords and likely from different regions IMHO. The sword you posted has an octagonal horn hilt and iron ferrule, versus a rectangular wooden hilt and no ferrule. The hilt on yours is full tang versus partial tang in the original example. The figural carvings on the pommels look like two different entities (apart from the "grin"). Your example has a carved handle versus no carving on the other one. The shape of the blades is quite different. And the scabbards are totally different--yours is leather in the Central or Northern Luzon style, and the original example is wooden and perhaps more like a Visayan piece (as noted by Battara) or Southern Luzon. I would say your example is more likely from Batangas or thereabouts. Ian.

6th July 2014, 06:16 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Thank you Ian! Agree by the age estimation; around WWII seems nearby. But still see by the scabbard and hilt (inaso) Bicol influence. Regards, Detlef

6th July 2014, 09:06 PM	#3
VVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sweden Posts: 1,637	Please delete...