[Jim McDougall]

I wanted to add an example of European influences, likely via forms of small sword which appear to have entered Indonesian spheres in the colonial period end of 18th c. into early 19th. with the Dutch.
This Javanese pedang suduk (tusuk) shows noticeable European styling, and the faces on scabbard and pommel cap reflect the lion face (of Orange) in Dutch heraldic symbolism.
The Dutch used native mercenaries from several locations, but most likely in this case Madura.

Most notable here with regard to the knife being discussed is the hilt shape, which along with the face symbolism suggests European influence.

This of course brings the question, was the knife itself fashioned in the Philippines, and diffuse to California, or otherwise? A conundrum indeed.

Just added a Dutch hunting hanger c. 1750. Note the hilt shape (though faceted). In the example the wood scabbard is lacquered in yellow ochre, which reflects the strong oriental influences in small sword decoration in these times known as 'Tonquinese'. The yellow ochre seems to have been a color notable in Chinese decoration.
Further elements in the conundrum!