Moro Pira Sword antique or new production?

CollectingNewbie · 7th October 2006, 12:11 AM

I bought this sword recently and was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is a new production sword or an antique. The seller said he thinks its a new production. total length of 32-1/4" / 81.5cm. The blade alone is 22-1/2" / 57cm. The blade is thickest near the base at 5mm.

ThePepperSkull · 20th April 2011, 08:04 PM

Did they make blades like the one in the post above me for local use in recent times, or is this another tourist-souvenir blade?

Does anyone have any more info on this? 5mm does seem a bit thin for an older blade, but the shape of the pira is more reminiscent of what I associate as being the older kind than what I typically associate with newer pira, which I usually see taking this shape:

(This pira was made in 1995 and is from Basilan)

Sajen · 20th April 2011, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CollectingNewbie

I bought this sword recently and was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is a new production sword or an antique. The seller said he thinks its a new production. total length of 32-1/4" / 81.5cm. The blade alone is 22-1/2" / 57cm. The blade is thickest near the base at 5mm.

Hallo,

when it is a recent one it has a good trim to look old. From the pictures I would say old.

Regards,

Detlef

VANDOO · 21st April 2011, 05:33 AM

THE FIRST ONE IS RECENT , I HAVE ONE WITH THE HORN HANDLE MINE ORIGINATED IN PANAY WHERE A DEALER WAS SELLING THEM ON EBAY. NOT BAD WORKMANSHIP AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT THOUGH THE BLADES ARE A BIT THIN.
THE SECOND ONE IS A CURRENT FORM OF PIRA WITHOUT THE LONG BACK SPIKE ON THE HANDLE. I HAVE AN EXAMPLE THAT WAS MADE AROUND 1945 SO THE FORM HAS BEEN AROUND FOR QUITE A WHILE BUT I DON'T KNOW WHEN OR WHERE IT ORIGINATED.

kai · 21st April 2011, 10:08 AM

Yes, recently made piece in fairly traditional style. AFAIK, these blades were crafted in Marawi; I'd guess that the Panay dealer also sourced Barry's example from Marawi...

Regards,
Kai

ThePepperSkull · 25th April 2011, 07:45 AM

Kai and vandoo, thank you both. Whenever I am curious about something, you either have the answer for it, or have answered it before. Great stuff.

7th October 2006, 12:11 AM	#1
CollectingNewbie Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 160	Moro Pira Sword antique or new production? I bought this sword recently and was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is a new production sword or an antique. The seller said he thinks its a new production. total length of 32-1/4" / 81.5cm. The blade alone is 22-1/2" / 57cm. The blade is thickest near the base at 5mm. Attached Images

20th April 2011, 08:04 PM	#2
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Did they make blades like the one in the post above me for local use in recent times, or is this another tourist-souvenir blade? Does anyone have any more info on this? 5mm does seem a bit thin for an older blade, but the shape of the pira is more reminiscent of what I associate as being the older kind than what I typically associate with newer pira, which I usually see taking this shape: (This pira was made in 1995 and is from Basilan)

21st April 2011, 05:33 AM	#4
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	THE FIRST ONE IS RECENT , I HAVE ONE WITH THE HORN HANDLE MINE ORIGINATED IN PANAY WHERE A DEALER WAS SELLING THEM ON EBAY. NOT BAD WORKMANSHIP AND THE PRICE WAS RIGHT THOUGH THE BLADES ARE A BIT THIN. THE SECOND ONE IS A CURRENT FORM OF PIRA WITHOUT THE LONG BACK SPIKE ON THE HANDLE. I HAVE AN EXAMPLE THAT WAS MADE AROUND 1945 SO THE FORM HAS BEEN AROUND FOR QUITE A WHILE BUT I DON'T KNOW WHEN OR WHERE IT ORIGINATED.

21st April 2011, 10:08 AM	#5
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Yes, recently made piece in fairly traditional style. AFAIK, these blades were crafted in Marawi; I'd guess that the Panay dealer also sourced Barry's example from Marawi... Regards, Kai

25th April 2011, 07:45 AM	#6
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Kai and vandoo, thank you both. Whenever I am curious about something, you either have the answer for it, or have answered it before. Great stuff.