Visayan Sword, need help in ID’ing.

David · 20th September 2020, 08:47 PM

Yep, i'll move it now.

kai · 20th September 2020, 09:45 PM

Hello Albert,

This is an odd one!

Based mainly on the blade profile, I'm not convinced this really is Visayan.

The depicted "demon/spirit" of unusual style, the wings (eagle or angle?), and also the human face do seem to be very unusual for the Visayas, too.

I'd be inclined to guess at a more northern origin. Possibly one of the somewhat intermediate regions like Bicol?!?

Regards,
Kai

Ian · 20th September 2020, 10:51 PM

Hi Albert,

Very unusual sword/knife. I'm inclined to think this is Visayan from the style of hilt and the S-guard. Does the blade have a chisel-grind? As far as figural hilts, there are a few examples of heads on swords from Panay, including mustachioed Spanish men--uncommon but not rare. Perhaps this is a custom-made piece. The blade seems non-traditional for Panay.

Have you run this one by Zel?

Regards,

Ian

kino · 20th September 2020, 11:37 PM

Thanks you for moving it David.

Kai, I thought Visayas because the blade profile was somewhat like a
Garab, but....not quite.

Ian, the blade does have a chisel grind.

Does the octagonal ferrule have a bearing towards Luzon?

Ian · 22nd September 2020, 09:02 AM

The chisel grind brings me back to Visayan and the octagonal ferrule is also consistent with Visayan. I did receive an email from a Filipino friend who identified this knife as coming from Negros Oriental. The "extravagant" figural hilt is apparently common to modern swords from that area.

kino · 22nd September 2020, 07:55 PM

Thanks Ian.
I was adviced with the same information. We probably share the same source.

Ian · 23rd September 2020, 01:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kino

Thanks Ian.
I was adviced with the same information. We probably share the same source.

Yes, I think so.

20th September 2020, 08:47 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Yep, i'll move it now.

20th September 2020, 09:45 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Albert, This is an odd one! Based mainly on the blade profile, I'm not convinced this really is Visayan. The depicted "demon/spirit" of unusual style, the wings (eagle or angle?), and also the human face do seem to be very unusual for the Visayas, too. I'd be inclined to guess at a more northern origin. Possibly one of the somewhat intermediate regions like Bicol?!? Regards, Kai

20th September 2020, 10:51 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	Hi Albert, Very unusual sword/knife. I'm inclined to think this is Visayan from the style of hilt and the S-guard. Does the blade have a chisel-grind? As far as figural hilts, there are a few examples of heads on swords from Panay, including mustachioed Spanish men--uncommon but not rare. Perhaps this is a custom-made piece. The blade seems non-traditional for Panay. Have you run this one by Zel? Regards, Ian

20th September 2020, 11:37 PM	#4
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Thanks you for moving it David. Kai, I thought Visayas because the blade profile was somewhat like a Garab, but....not quite. Ian, the blade does have a chisel grind. Does the octagonal ferrule have a bearing towards Luzon?

22nd September 2020, 09:02 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	The chisel grind brings me back to Visayan and the octagonal ferrule is also consistent with Visayan. I did receive an email from a Filipino friend who identified this knife as coming from Negros Oriental. The "extravagant" figural hilt is apparently common to modern swords from that area.

22nd September 2020, 07:55 PM	#6
kino Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,018	Thanks Ian. I was adviced with the same information. We probably share the same source.