Luzon sword for comment

Sajen · 10th February 2013, 10:23 PM

This sword recently finished by ebay and I think it is worth for comment and keeping the pictures for later reference. I am not the winner, the seller don't want to ship outside the States. http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-FILIPINO...vip=true&rt=nc

Sajen · 12th February 2013, 07:15 PM

No one?

Robert · 12th February 2013, 07:52 PM

Hello Detlef, I thought that I would wait to see what the experts had to say before commenting but looks like they are being silent on this one. I am not so sure that this is from the Philippines but maybe from Mexico. The waves on the blade seem to pointed and the bird hilt is also different from anything I have seen (so far) from Luzon.

I have however seen this style of blade work as on late Philippine swords and on some daggers and swords that were made in Mexico. I have also seen this style of hilt on Mexican pieces before. Maybe Jose will comment on the designs on the throat of the scabbard for help in identifying where this was made. Sorry for not being of much help on this very interesting and unusual sword.

Best,
Robert

Battara · 12th February 2013, 08:58 PM

Since my name was mentioned..........

I am not sure what to say about this. I have heard about Luzono swords with thin wavy blades, but never seen one before. The horn is typical for Luzon as well as the tang going through the hilt. Not seen a wavy blade on any Mexican piece before.

However, the floral work is a little different. This may very well be Northern Philippines. but I can't tell you much more than that.

Robert · 12th February 2013, 09:11 PM

Hello Jose, Glad you saw your name.

I have more than a few Luzon pieces with wavy blades and have seen quite a few pieces with wavy blades that were clearly marked as being made in Mexico. Horn hilts and tangs that extend through the hilt are also the norm for most Mexican pieces as well as ones from the Philippines. The bird hilt and pointed waves is what makes me wonder if this is truly a Philippine item or not. Do you have any reference to this style of hilt on a Philippine item?

Best,
Robert

Battara · 12th February 2013, 09:14 PM

Robert - thank you for that information on Mexican bladed weapons.

I have not seen bird carvings like this on Philippine pieces, although I have seen them on Indonesian pieces. This may be Mexican if what you say is true and would explain the style of cross guard and floral patterns on both cross guard and scabbard.

On the other hand, there were centuries of trade between the Philippines and Mexican territories.

10th February 2013, 10:23 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,491	Luzon sword for comment This sword recently finished by ebay and I think it is worth for comment and keeping the pictures for later reference. I am not the winner, the seller don't want to ship outside the States. http://www.ebay.com/itm/OLD-FILIPINO...vip=true&rt=nc Attached Images

12th February 2013, 07:15 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,491	No one?

12th February 2013, 07:52 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Detlef, I thought that I would wait to see what the experts had to say before commenting but looks like they are being silent on this one. I am not so sure that this is from the Philippines but maybe from Mexico. The waves on the blade seem to pointed and the bird hilt is also different from anything I have seen (so far) from Luzon. I have however seen this style of blade work as on late Philippine swords and on some daggers and swords that were made in Mexico. I have also seen this style of hilt on Mexican pieces before. Maybe Jose will comment on the designs on the throat of the scabbard for help in identifying where this was made. Sorry for not being of much help on this very interesting and unusual sword. Best, Robert

12th February 2013, 08:58 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Since my name was mentioned.......... I am not sure what to say about this. I have heard about Luzono swords with thin wavy blades, but never seen one before. The horn is typical for Luzon as well as the tang going through the hilt. Not seen a wavy blade on any Mexican piece before. However, the floral work is a little different. This may very well be Northern Philippines. but I can't tell you much more than that.

12th February 2013, 09:11 PM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Jose, Glad you saw your name. I have more than a few Luzon pieces with wavy blades and have seen quite a few pieces with wavy blades that were clearly marked as being made in Mexico. Horn hilts and tangs that extend through the hilt are also the norm for most Mexican pieces as well as ones from the Philippines. The bird hilt and pointed waves is what makes me wonder if this is truly a Philippine item or not. Do you have any reference to this style of hilt on a Philippine item? Best, Robert

12th February 2013, 09:14 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Robert - thank you for that information on Mexican bladed weapons. I have not seen bird carvings like this on Philippine pieces, although I have seen them on Indonesian pieces. This may be Mexican if what you say is true and would explain the style of cross guard and floral patterns on both cross guard and scabbard. On the other hand, there were centuries of trade between the Philippines and Mexican territories.