A Filipino Oddity....A Pir-Rong???!!!

[CharlesS]

When I found this piece I recognised what an anomaly it was and at first thought it was some sort of presentation piece or touristy conglomeration. But having now handled the piece it's clear it has been much used, has a heavy patina all over, and the carved belt loop still has fiber remains inside. This piece was all "born together", and was meant to see service. The seller said it was a WW2 bring back and at first I thought 'no-way...maybe 1960s'..., but now I see no reason to doubt the original description.

I am calling it yet another form of Pir-Rong(part Pira, part Barong), as I did a thread several years ago on a different combination by the same name.

Note:

*Moro Pira style blade. It's thick, heavy and very sharp.

*The hilt has a Moro barong style pommel with poorly executed "crests", but the ferrule and short guard is Bogobo or T'boli in style and is cast.

*The scabbard is clearly an attempt to immitate a barong scabbard, with added belt loop and brass dragon crests and floral motifs pinned on.

Would love to hear any and all opinions!!

[Lew]

Charles

This is a strange composite the blade seems nice but the hilt ferrule and that crudely made guard screams tourist to me.

[David]

Originally Posted by Lew

Charles

This is a strange composite the blade seems nice but the hilt ferrule and that crudely made guard screams tourist to me.

I am not convinced that anything necessarily "screams tourist" here. Composite pieces can sometimes happen within cultures based on needs and available supplies. In fact i find the crudely made guard more an indication that this may have been intended for local use more than the tourist market.

[CharlesS]

This is composite with a purpose; I agree with David.

I have no idea why these various features are found together but they show too much wear, tear, and heavy patina to have been exclusively tourist.

I have no idea what the answer is, but it is no typical toy or souvenir.

[Sajen]

Hello Charles,

I have followed this strange sword on e-bay also and have been sure that all is "original" old. When I see it now by your better pictures I am convinced by this opinion. I think that we only can guess how this Pira blade get this handle and sheath. Maybe break the handle and sheat and the owner give the blade this strange dress by what reason ever.
I personally like this sword, congrats for this nice addition to your collection.

Detlef

[RSWORD]

I think it should be called Bapiraong.

[Lew]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

This is composite with a purpose; I agree with David.

I have no idea why these various features are found together but they show too much wear, tear, and heavy patina to have been exclusively tourist.

I have no idea what the answer is, but it is no typical toy or souvenir.

Charles the wear and tear could have happened after it was brought home. That square guard just looks slapped on to me with it's pointy edges and the brass work on the scabbard does not strike me as Philippine tribal? It just looks like it was put together from spare parts a good pira blade a hilt from a barong and the ferrule reminds me of the recent Moro stuff you see on ebay these days. This is probably Vietnam era or a bit earlier IMO.

[migueldiaz]

Charles, that's an interesting sword. Thanks for sharing.

I have a pira (pic below) which blade is similar to yours. Maybe they are contemporaries.