Kalinga Chiefs axe for comment

[Lew]

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

Quick Q Lew... How thick is the ferrule?

I ask as on my own example, the ferrule was thicker than on the half-dozen or so comparably "plain" exmaples I have handled.

The iron ferrule is about 1/8" thick the bottom finale piece is some type of silver alloy?

[Battara]

Originally Posted by Lew

The iron ferrule is about 1/8" thick the bottom finale piece is some type of silver alloy?

Actually the bottom piece is white metal, a mixture of copper and nickel (I tested mine years ago).

[Robert]

So many beautiful pieces being acquired and shown this week. This has got to be one of the finest axes that I have ever seen, absolutely beautiful. I'm so jealous it is hard for me to log on to the forum. All I can say is congratulations on winning this !!! A truly fine addition that anyone would be happy to have.

Robert

[laEspadaAncha]

Originally Posted by Lew

The iron ferrule is about 1/8" thick the bottom finale piece is some type of silver alloy?

That's intersting, as the ferrule on my own example similarly measures approx. 1/8" - ranging from 2.6'ish to 3.4'ish mm.

By contrast, all the exmaples of undecorated head axes I have had and/or held had comparatively thin ferrules, e.g., the only other one in my possession at the moment has a ferrule bracketing 1mm in thickness.

I wonder if this represented a regional variation, or if was analogous to an 'upgrade' for those in positions of authority or importance...

[Nonoy Tan]

Originally Posted by laEspadaAncha

That's intersting, as the ferrule on my own example similarly measures approx. 1/8" - ranging from 2.6'ish to 3.4'ish mm.

By contrast, all the exmaples of undecorated head axes I have had and/or held had comparatively thin ferrules, e.g., the only other one in my possession at the moment has a ferrule bracketing 1mm in thickness.

I wonder if this represented a regional variation, or if was analogous to an 'upgrade' for those in positions of authority or importance...

I think that the thickness of the ferrule is largely influenced by the availability of raw material. In the history of Northern Luzon, there were times of plenty and also times of scarcity. Indeed, there are "undecorated" head axes with ferrules that are 3mm thick.

[laEspadaAncha]

Thank you, Nonoy, for the explanation... that makes sense.