Interesting WW2 Philippine machete sword ?

spiral · 10th November 2014, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

I think it's a British issue machete blade that was remounted. The expanded tip bears strong similarities to issue machetes I've seen.
.

I agree the style is similar to the old Brit army Machete, but that one is carrying civilian marks. Not the military ones.

Although "& sons" was a 19th century version company name,.

What was actually stamped on the weapons & tools didn't always match, the continually changing company names.

Mole registered the Steamer Trade Mark in 1886 and used it up to November 1920 .

Looking at the font ,Id guess the early 20th century seems likely.

These machetes were common in West Africa & the Caribbean & often "customised" in both areas...

spiral

Ian · 10th November 2014, 07:42 PM

I would just add to Spiral's comment that these "modified" machetes were indeed common in the West Indies, and I have several with Island names stamped into the leather sheaths (Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, etc.). The tassels and other decorations on the sheath of this one remind me of the West Indies examples I have seen.

Ian.

spiral · 10th November 2014, 08:02 PM

I am sure weve all realised , but no ones mentioned it yet, the scabbard is probably at least 80 years younger than the blade....

spiral

Battara · 10th November 2014, 11:21 PM

The scabbard could be from the Americas and the piece got reheated, which it looks. Again not Filipino though.

Rick · 11th November 2014, 12:26 AM

Agree with Ian; I think it's probably West Indies/S. American .

The hilt is also recognized as a Figa; a popular Brazilian charm .

drac2k · 11th November 2014, 02:54 AM

The "figa charm," motif held promise until I look it up ; a "figa fist," will have the thumb tucked under the forefinger .The fist that I have is clenching a bar,with tacks that could be interpreted in the shape of a cross.
The scabbard, although newer than the blade does have age and it is very well made; the cloth portion on the bottom is canvas; maybe this is to allow the blade to breathe or maybe it has some talismanic value.
I think the key to identification is the fist.

Robert · 11th November 2014, 03:58 AM

I must agree that this is most likely an African piece. The clenched fist was a common symbol used there as a sign of resistance and defiance just as it was in many countries other than the Philippines. The only thing that even looks remotely Philippine to me is the general styling of the leather sheath, but with the use of the brass eyelets, the manner in which the belt loops are attached and the tooling I think that the sheath was made post WWII and most likely somewhere south of the border as a replacement.

Best,
Robert

10th November 2014, 07:42 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,399	I would just add to Spiral's comment that these "modified" machetes were indeed common in the West Indies, and I have several with Island names stamped into the leather sheaths (Trinidad, Tobago, Jamaica, etc.). The tassels and other decorations on the sheath of this one remind me of the West Indies examples I have seen. Ian.

10th November 2014, 08:02 PM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	I am sure weve all realised , but no ones mentioned it yet, the scabbard is probably at least 80 years younger than the blade.... spiral

10th November 2014, 11:21 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	The scabbard could be from the Americas and the piece got reheated, which it looks. Again not Filipino though.

11th November 2014, 12:26 AM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	Agree with Ian; I think it's probably West Indies/S. American . The hilt is also recognized as a Figa; a popular Brazilian charm .

11th November 2014, 02:54 AM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,258	The "figa charm," motif held promise until I look it up ; a "figa fist," will have the thumb tucked under the forefinger .The fist that I have is clenching a bar,with tacks that could be interpreted in the shape of a cross. The scabbard, although newer than the blade does have age and it is very well made; the cloth portion on the bottom is canvas; maybe this is to allow the blade to breathe or maybe it has some talismanic value. I think the key to identification is the fist.

11th November 2014, 03:58 AM	#7
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I must agree that this is most likely an African piece. The clenched fist was a common symbol used there as a sign of resistance and defiance just as it was in many countries other than the Philippines. The only thing that even looks remotely Philippine to me is the general styling of the leather sheath, but with the use of the brass eyelets, the manner in which the belt loops are attached and the tooling I think that the sheath was made post WWII and most likely somewhere south of the border as a replacement. Best, Robert