Luzon or Panay?

RobT · 15th December 2024, 04:11 AM

Hi Ian,
It is a blind tang. What you are seeing as plate is actually the end of the wood hilt. It looks like a plate because it stands proud of the shallow cut outs for the missing (presumably aluminum) pommel ornaments.

Hi JeffS,
Yes, given the close similarity of the two pieces in blade, hilt, and sheath, it appears to be a type and not just a one off. It is the only Philippine "Bowie style" blade in my collection with a chisel grind. It makes me wonder even more strongly if the Philippine "Bowie" wasn't developed in the Philippines independently of the US Bowie style. The two clip points differ markedly with the Philippine clip point being far longer than the US version. Is it possible that the Philippine clip point was already in existence prior to WWII and just found favor with US service men because they were used to the clip point form?

Sincerely,
RobT

15th December 2024, 04:11 AM	#7
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 550	An Intriguing Question Hi Ian, It is a blind tang. What you are seeing as plate is actually the end of the wood hilt. It looks like a plate because it stands proud of the shallow cut outs for the missing (presumably aluminum) pommel ornaments. Hi JeffS, Yes, given the close similarity of the two pieces in blade, hilt, and sheath, it appears to be a type and not just a one off. It is the only Philippine "Bowie style" blade in my collection with a chisel grind. It makes me wonder even more strongly if the Philippine "Bowie" wasn't developed in the Philippines independently of the US Bowie style. The two clip points differ markedly with the Philippine clip point being far longer than the US version. Is it possible that the Philippine clip point was already in existence prior to WWII and just found favor with US service men because they were used to the clip point form? Sincerely, RobT