Iron hide! One of a kind iron/ steel moro armor!

[Ian]

Very interesting and thanks for sharing these pictures.

As you say, the armor has been thoroughly cleaned but shows relatively little pitting or damage from rust over the years. Unusually pristine and complete. How old do you think it may be?

Must have been quite burdensome to fight in at that weight.

[Rick]

I wonder if it might not be white brass rather than steel.

[bathala]

I'm thinking early 20th century. I'm thinking it's has been kept well away from the elements thus the minimal pittings. Forgot to show the front so here it is. As being wHite brass possible but the plates rust, so do some of the ring. I really am not 100% sure of the composition of the metAL but looks steel to me.

[David]

Originally Posted by bathala

As being wHite brass possible but the plates rust, so do some of the ring. I really am not 100% sure of the composition of the metAL but looks steel to me.

A simple magnet test should tell your whether or not the plates and/or rings are steel or iron.

[bathala]

I'm thinking early 20th century. I'm thinking it's has been kept well away from the elements thus the minimal pittings. Forgot to show the front so here it is. As being wHite brass possible but the plates rust, so do some of the ring. I really am not 100% sure of the composition of the metAL but looks steel to me.

[Battara]

I lean toward modern made to look more like Maranao style.

In addition to issues already made, I noticed that the decorations on the copper plates are in more Luzon style, not Moro.

Also the catches are not traditional or correct for traditional Moro work.

Great modern work though!

[Ian]

Bathala:

I think you are hearing consensus that this is an interesting, non-traditional set of Moro iron armor, with copper alloy (brass?) embellishments, that likely dates from the second half of the 20th C. Battara has pointed to features that might suggest multicultural (including non-Moro) input into its construction, and shakethetrees has given a good account of how the plates were likely made.

Ian

[bathala]

I don't know why the last comment was repeated, but yes guy I must admit it's starting to be clear it's more modern than I thought but still great armor. Wondering what was the purpose of making it in steel rather than brass? It would have been way easier and more closer to its antique counterparts.

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by bathala

I don't know why the last comment was repeated, but yes guy I must admit it's starting to be clear it's more modern than I thought but still great armor. Wondering what was the purpose of making it in steel rather than brass? It would have been way easier and more closer to its antique counterparts.

Having been to the Philippines many times I feel that this was probably made in the same region (Mindanao) as the originals. Probably made by someone who has some knowledge of the local use of these armors, consider it to be a homage to something from the past.

Most Philippine citizens that I have met would have little to no knowledge of Philippine armor unless it was part of their personal culture. I do not think this was an attempt to fool anyone or the materials would have been different. They used whatever materials were available to them and brass was not readily available. I myself have had problems finding things in the Philippines that I could easily find from multiple sources were I live.