Finally...Central Luzon origin

Ian · 10th January 2018, 03:49 PM

Hi Leif,

Yes, that one does look very similar and the sheath also appears to be made from carved horn. The (unusual for Philippines) suspension system with two small rings at the mouth of the scabbard suggests to me that yours and mine came from the same source. The clenched fist motif adds to the similarity. Good find!

I don't know the significance of the frayed cord on the hilt of mine. Perhaps it is a remnant of an old suspension system that involved the two rings on the back of the sheath. The cord is quite long when unraveled (about 20 inches).

Ian.

Rick · 10th January 2018, 06:39 PM

Leif,
That pommel form is in itself an Anting-Anting of sorts.

Rafngard · 15th February 2018, 11:29 PM

Hello all,

I just picked up another example of this style, with a clenched fist, and a carved horn scabbard. This time with a some what fanciful Bartolome style blade. Given the aluminum ferrule, I think this is perhaps 1940s, perhaps latter? In addition to the "Philippines" carved on the scabbard, there's also a "Tagumay" (perhaps related to "Tagumpay," or "Victory" as is found on many, many, post WWII Filipino weapons) carved on the handle.

I need to spend some time cleaning up the blade, and will post better pics after doing so.

Enjoy,
Leif

Ian · 19th February 2018, 04:07 PM

Leif:

I think there is an alternative explanation for Tagumpay. It could be the name of a town. There are many towns and areas named Tagumpay in the Philippines, but the most relevant may be a town in the province of Nueva Ecija which is also in Central Luzon and to the northeast of Pampanga.

The blade shape of your knife is what I would call a "double clip," a distinctive shape found in central and northern Luzon, and one that is seen quite commonly on Ilokano knives. The horn (?) sheath has a trilobed toe that is similar to many Ilokano leather sheaths of the early and mid-20th C.

So I think you have a Central Luzon knife of Ilokano style that could be first half or mid-20th C. The key will be the guard. If that is aluminum, then I think it is WWII vintage or a little later.

Ian

Battara · 19th February 2018, 11:54 PM

I agree with Ian. I would also note that this was made for returning GIs at that time. The thickness of the hilt and style of carving also shows a later vintage.

Rafngard · 24th February 2018, 07:49 PM

Thank you both for you comments. The guard is definitely aluminum, and the hilt and scabbard are definitely horn.

Thanks,
Leif

Ian · 23rd June 2018, 12:44 AM

This is another characteristic knife from Apalit and has a little more carving on the hilt than usual. On this one the pommel has been carved in the likeness of the head of a water buffalo (carabao). Dated 1945, the wooden scabbard shows a "toe" similar to other examples here.

These are the dealer's pics. I will post better ones after it arrives.

Ian.

15th February 2018, 11:29 PM	#3
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 349	Hello all, I just picked up another example of this style, with a clenched fist, and a carved horn scabbard. This time with a some what fanciful Bartolome style blade. Given the aluminum ferrule, I think this is perhaps 1940s, perhaps latter? In addition to the "Philippines" carved on the scabbard, there's also a "Tagumay" (perhaps related to "Tagumpay," or "Victory" as is found on many, many, post WWII Filipino weapons) carved on the handle. I need to spend some time cleaning up the blade, and will post better pics after doing so. Enjoy, Leif Attached Images

23rd June 2018, 12:44 AM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	This is another characteristic knife from Apalit and has a little more carving on the hilt than usual. On this one the pommel has been carved in the likeness of the head of a water buffalo (carabao). Dated 1945, the wooden scabbard shows a "toe" similar to other examples here. These are the dealer's pics. I will post better ones after it arrives. Ian. Attached Images

10th January 2018, 03:49 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Hi Leif, Yes, that one does look very similar and the sheath also appears to be made from carved horn. The (unusual for Philippines) suspension system with two small rings at the mouth of the scabbard suggests to me that yours and mine came from the same source. The clenched fist motif adds to the similarity. Good find! I don't know the significance of the frayed cord on the hilt of mine. Perhaps it is a remnant of an old suspension system that involved the two rings on the back of the sheath. The cord is quite long when unraveled (about 20 inches). Ian.

10th January 2018, 06:39 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Leif, That pommel form is in itself an Anting-Anting of sorts.

19th February 2018, 04:07 PM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,362	Leif: I think there is an alternative explanation for Tagumpay. It could be the name of a town. There are many towns and areas named Tagumpay in the Philippines, but the most relevant may be a town in the province of Nueva Ecija which is also in Central Luzon and to the northeast of Pampanga. The blade shape of your knife is what I would call a "double clip," a distinctive shape found in central and northern Luzon, and one that is seen quite commonly on Ilokano knives. The horn (?) sheath has a trilobed toe that is similar to many Ilokano leather sheaths of the early and mid-20th C. So I think you have a Central Luzon knife of Ilokano style that could be first half or mid-20th C. The key will be the guard. If that is aluminum, then I think it is WWII vintage or a little later. Ian

19th February 2018, 11:54 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I agree with Ian. I would also note that this was made for returning GIs at that time. The thickness of the hilt and style of carving also shows a later vintage.

24th February 2018, 07:49 PM	#6
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 349	Thank you both for you comments. The guard is definitely aluminum, and the hilt and scabbard are definitely horn. Thanks, Leif