sword help

Rick · 1st March 2008, 01:18 AM

bump

Jim McDougall · 2nd March 2008, 09:40 PM

Hi Kisuke,
With the number of guys here who focus on SE Asian, Filipino and Indonesian weapons, I cannot believe nobody has answered this !
Since these areas are outside my field of study, without resources to check, I would say it is likely from the Philippines or possibly Malaysia. Maybe I can find something in Stone.

As far as the notches, it would be good to see a picture of them. As far as it has been determined, there is no established validity to notches, markings, brass dots, holes or any means of tallying either kills or heads taken on weapons. This of course has been longstanding in associated folklore concerning tribes or more often, dealers selling weapons. While there are of course cultures who ceremonially recognize headhunting and other warfare achievements, as far as I know no tally marks were placed on weapons.

In another discussion some time ago on this topic, I was reminded of the gunfighters here in America's wild west, who supposedly placed a notch in thier gun signifying the number of thier victims. This of course is the product of sensationalized tales of western writers, and there is virtually no evidence of any notched handles in the guns of any of the gunfighters.

Looks like a sound example, and if I can find anything more I'll post it.

All best regards,
Jim

Jim McDougall · 2nd March 2008, 09:52 PM

Checked Stone, p.249 (fig. 306)
This appears to possibly be a form of golok, a heavy chopping weapon used in Malayan countries, and with its size and shape, possibly Mindanao. I look forward to observations from the members who collect in this field.

Rick · 2nd March 2008, 09:58 PM

I would like to see better closer pictures of the hilt and blade before even hazarding a guess . I think Jim is on the right track but we need more detailed pictures .

1st March 2008, 01:18 AM	#1
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	bump

2nd March 2008, 09:40 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Hi Kisuke, With the number of guys here who focus on SE Asian, Filipino and Indonesian weapons, I cannot believe nobody has answered this ! Since these areas are outside my field of study, without resources to check, I would say it is likely from the Philippines or possibly Malaysia. Maybe I can find something in Stone. As far as the notches, it would be good to see a picture of them. As far as it has been determined, there is no established validity to notches, markings, brass dots, holes or any means of tallying either kills or heads taken on weapons. This of course has been longstanding in associated folklore concerning tribes or more often, dealers selling weapons. While there are of course cultures who ceremonially recognize headhunting and other warfare achievements, as far as I know no tally marks were placed on weapons. In another discussion some time ago on this topic, I was reminded of the gunfighters here in America's wild west, who supposedly placed a notch in thier gun signifying the number of thier victims. This of course is the product of sensationalized tales of western writers, and there is virtually no evidence of any notched handles in the guns of any of the gunfighters. Looks like a sound example, and if I can find anything more I'll post it. All best regards, Jim

2nd March 2008, 09:52 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Checked Stone, p.249 (fig. 306) This appears to possibly be a form of golok, a heavy chopping weapon used in Malayan countries, and with its size and shape, possibly Mindanao. I look forward to observations from the members who collect in this field.

2nd March 2008, 09:58 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,339	I would like to see better closer pictures of the hilt and blade before even hazarding a guess . I think Jim is on the right track but we need more detailed pictures .