Philippine Dagger Just Ended On Ebay

t_c · 5th February 2009, 01:53 AM

Robert is it possible that the guard is made from the base of an old file?
If the dagger was part of an espada y daga (sword and dagger) set, then it was intended to be used as a left-hand weapon and the longer guard may have been designed to serve as a "shelf" of sorts to help pass or parry the opponent's weapon, similar in idea to a main-gauche (hope that takes some of the mystery out of it).

Ferguson · 5th February 2009, 01:58 AM

This may be stupid, but could the guard be used as a pick for the touchhole of a cannon or lantaka?

I think I've seen a guard like that before, but can't remember.

Steve

Battara · 5th February 2009, 02:28 AM

Robert, I would agree with you about the age. Although unusual for a Luzon piece, I have seen end caps on Ilocano daggers before. In fact, my Ilocano piece has a brass end cap.

The cross guard is strange - no idea.

Robert · 5th February 2009, 03:03 AM

T_C, It very well could be made from a file. When new and sharp files are used in the shaping and finishing of blades and then when old and dull they are often made into blades and other parts. Waste not want not.

Steve, I think you and Gene both might be on to something. He earlier said "The guard looks like its been made as a tool. One side elongated and pointed the other shorter broader and flattened. Could it be old enough to have been used alongside muzzle loaders?" And now your idea "Could the guard be used as a pick for the touchhole of a cannon or lantaka?" Very interesting ideas.

Robert

Atlantia · 5th February 2009, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

T_C, It very well could be made from a file. When new and sharp files are used in the shaping and finishing of blades and then when old and dull they are often made into blades and other parts. Waste not want not.

Steve, I think you and Gene both might be on to something. He earlier said "The guard looks like its been made as a tool. One side elongated and pointed the other shorter broader and flattened. Could it be old enough to have been used alongside muzzle loaders?" And now your idea "Could the guard be used as a pick for the touchhole of a cannon or lantaka?" Very interesting ideas.

Robert

Hi Robert
Just seen the new pictures!

It looks fabulous

congratulations on a nice addition to your collection.
Gene

Robert · 5th February 2009, 04:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi Robert
Just seen the new pictures!

It looks fabulous

congratulations on a nice addition to your collection.
Gene

Thank you Gene. For me to say that I am extremely pleased with it would be an understatement !!

Here is a picture of it resting with a few of its new friends.

Robert

Atlantia · 5th February 2009, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ferguson

This may be stupid, but could the guard be used as a pick for the touchhole of a cannon or lantaka?

I think I've seen a guard like that before, but can't remember.

Steve

Hi Steve,
Thats what I was infering in my earlier post. In the ebay pictures it looks like a pick and flat screwdriver, but these closeups show the short side is more just a larger spike.
What made me think the long spike was a tool rather than a offensive is that it seems to be a uniform width for a fair proportion of its length, as though its meant to push into something. (like to clear a touch hole)
Unless we are being too weapon orientated, and it has a civilian use like piercing through the thick skin of some fruit, coconut or similar?

I think it looks great in the new pictures! Better than the ebay ones made it look. Bargain methinks.

Gene

5th February 2009, 01:53 AM	#1
t_c Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ca, usa Posts: 92	Robert is it possible that the guard is made from the base of an old file? If the dagger was part of an espada y daga (sword and dagger) set, then it was intended to be used as a left-hand weapon and the longer guard may have been designed to serve as a "shelf" of sorts to help pass or parry the opponent's weapon, similar in idea to a main-gauche (hope that takes some of the mystery out of it).

5th February 2009, 01:58 AM	#2
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	This may be stupid, but could the guard be used as a pick for the touchhole of a cannon or lantaka? I think I've seen a guard like that before, but can't remember. Steve

5th February 2009, 02:28 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	Robert, I would agree with you about the age. Although unusual for a Luzon piece, I have seen end caps on Ilocano daggers before. In fact, my Ilocano piece has a brass end cap. The cross guard is strange - no idea.

5th February 2009, 03:03 AM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	T_C, It very well could be made from a file. When new and sharp files are used in the shaping and finishing of blades and then when old and dull they are often made into blades and other parts. Waste not want not. Steve, I think you and Gene both might be on to something. He earlier said "The guard looks like its been made as a tool. One side elongated and pointed the other shorter broader and flattened. Could it be old enough to have been used alongside muzzle loaders?" And now your idea "Could the guard be used as a pick for the touchhole of a cannon or lantaka?" Very interesting ideas. Robert