Am I Missing Something Here??

archer · 8th July 2008, 08:15 PM

Steve, It's time I learn the difference, would you mind explaining the fine points on Identification? I agree with your opinion on this bad marriage.

Steve

Rick · 8th July 2008, 11:02 PM

Somewhere P.T. Barnum is chuckling tonight .

kronckew · 9th July 2008, 12:19 AM

wiccans use brass or bronze blades to cut herbs and for other ritual uses that cold steel or iron would pollute. unless this is a well known religious item from some cult, and known to possess inherent magical essences, i think 400 is a bit steep. one can get a perfectly good bronze athame or sickle with a nice bog oak hilt for much less.

Robert · 10th July 2008, 05:02 AM

Thank you all for your response to this post. I have to agree with Katana that this does show age (late 19th to early 20th century) and I do think that it is an actual weapon and not just a letter opener or paper-knife. What surprised me was the price that it went for. David, I've tried to find any written evidence about magical protections of brass or copper blades but have had no luck as of now. If anyone has any information on this, please post. Thank you all again for you thoughts.

Robert

Atlantia · 10th July 2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

Thank you all for your response to this post. I have to agree with Katana that this does show age (late 19th to early 20th century) and I do think that it is an actual weapon and not just a letter opener or paper-knife. What surprised me was the price that it went for. David, I've tried to find any written evidence about magical protections of brass or copper blades but have had no luck as of now. If anyone has any information on this, please post. Thank you all again for you thoughts.

Robert

I dont think the brass/bronze looks to have much patination. A little, and some stains from having something spilt on it, but I don't get a feel of real age from it.
Has anyone contacted the two highest bidders and asked them to enlighten us?

katana · 10th July 2008, 04:53 PM

The thickness of the blade and the 'waves' are not ideal for a paperknife

There is evidence of 'oldish' damage to the tip of the blade...from legitimate use or abuse ...who knows.

The dagger, IMHO strongly suggests SEA origins, (or European (Spanish ?)made with SEA influences )

It is difficult to access patina when you 'lighten' (brightness, contrast etc) the quite dark 'listing' pictures. I was looking more at the wear and tear of the hilt which suggested to me 'some age'.

If this dagger is/was of some significance, it is likely the blade would have been kept relatively 'clean', ruining the chance of a reasonable patina to establish itself.

Although unconvinced that this dagger was worth the money, I would not be surprised if it does, indeed have ' monatary value'.... higher than the general concensus expressed.

Regards David

Robert · 10th July 2008, 11:13 PM

I would guess that this is of Philippine origin with strong Spanish influence and possible from Luzon. Too bad there was no scabbard or sheath with it as it would have been of great help in identifying its origin and actual age. One of the big problems with brass, bronze or copper blades is that if anyone cleans them it takes many years to develop any patina. I have one that was brought back from the Spanish American War that was cleaned (to death) by the seller because he thought it would help when he sold it.

Ferguson · 11th July 2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by archer

Steve, It's time I learn the difference, would you mind explaining the fine points on Identification? I agree with your opinion on this bad marriage.

Steve

My understanding is that Punal is a Spanish word meaning knife, and is used by the people in the north of the Philippines. Gunong is used for the daggers of the Muslim peoples of the south. I think.

Steve

8th July 2008, 08:15 PM	#1
archer Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 373	Gunong/ Punal ???? Steve, It's time I learn the difference, would you mind explaining the fine points on Identification? I agree with your opinion on this bad marriage. Steve

8th July 2008, 11:02 PM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,347	Somewhere P.T. Barnum is chuckling tonight .

9th July 2008, 12:19 AM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,238	wiccans use brass or bronze blades to cut herbs and for other ritual uses that cold steel or iron would pollute. unless this is a well known religious item from some cult, and known to possess inherent magical essences, i think 400 is a bit steep. one can get a perfectly good bronze athame or sickle with a nice bog oak hilt for much less.

10th July 2008, 05:02 AM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Thank you all for your response to this post. I have to agree with Katana that this does show age (late 19th to early 20th century) and I do think that it is an actual weapon and not just a letter opener or paper-knife. What surprised me was the price that it went for. David, I've tried to find any written evidence about magical protections of brass or copper blades but have had no luck as of now. If anyone has any information on this, please post. Thank you all again for you thoughts. Robert

10th July 2008, 04:53 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	The thickness of the blade and the 'waves' are not ideal for a paperknife There is evidence of 'oldish' damage to the tip of the blade...from legitimate use or abuse ...who knows. The dagger, IMHO strongly suggests SEA origins, (or European (Spanish ?)made with SEA influences ) It is difficult to access patina when you 'lighten' (brightness, contrast etc) the quite dark 'listing' pictures. I was looking more at the wear and tear of the hilt which suggested to me 'some age'. If this dagger is/was of some significance, it is likely the blade would have been kept relatively 'clean', ruining the chance of a reasonable patina to establish itself. Although unconvinced that this dagger was worth the money, I would not be surprised if it does, indeed have ' monatary value'.... higher than the general concensus expressed. Regards David

10th July 2008, 11:13 PM	#7
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I would guess that this is of Philippine origin with strong Spanish influence and possible from Luzon. Too bad there was no scabbard or sheath with it as it would have been of great help in identifying its origin and actual age. One of the big problems with brass, bronze or copper blades is that if anyone cleans them it takes many years to develop any patina. I have one that was brought back from the Spanish American War that was cleaned (to death) by the seller because he thought it would help when he sold it.