Interesting Philippine sword (? military use during revolution)

Ian · 6th July 2015, 12:07 PM

Thanks Detlef.

Since this one is not full tang construction, I doubt that it is Tagalog or Ilocano in origin (central and northern Luzon). It might be from the south of Luzon, possibly Bicolano, which has a closer affinity to Visayan sword design--that would be unusual for a military issue sword.

Ordinarily, I would agree with you about cleaning the blade and etching it, but this one has a lot of "character" and is probably a worthy old warrior that deserves to keep its age and dignity. The patina on the blade is dark and stable.

Sansibar is another name that could be applied to it. Matulis is a Tagalog word, and I don't think this is a Tagalog sword.

Ian.

Sajen · 6th July 2015, 05:09 PM

Hello Ian,

the small diameter of the ferrules of this both swords could be a sign of Batangas origin, what you think?

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 6th July 2015, 09:36 PM

Detlef:

Yes, the Batangas swords/bolos may have small ferrules but this is not unique to Batangas. We can find central Luzon and Ilocano swords/bolos with small ferrules, and I recall some Visayan pieces having small ferrules also.

Batangas is another one of those Tagalog/Visayan transition zones for edged weapons, with a preponderance of Tagalog styles IMO. Batangas is adjacent to Cavite, which may or may not be relevant if this sword was used by the Katipunan.

I think the key to the origin of this one lies in its unusual hilt and whether we can find a provenanced example of this hilt that links it to a particular place.

Ian

Sajen · 6th July 2015, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

I think the key to the origin of this one lies in its unusual hilt and whether we can find a provenanced example of this hilt that links it to a particular place.

Hello Ian,

I am not sure about this, when you have a look inside the thread I've provided, at post #20 are shown some swords with similar styled handles but some have a other ferrule style and some have a full tang, maybe a sign that this handle style was used in other places also. Just my thoughts.

Regards,
Detlef

Battara · 6th July 2015, 11:51 PM

I agree that this is not Tagalog, but I would lean more toward Visayan........

6th July 2015, 12:07 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,398	Thanks Detlef. Since this one is not full tang construction, I doubt that it is Tagalog or Ilocano in origin (central and northern Luzon). It might be from the south of Luzon, possibly Bicolano, which has a closer affinity to Visayan sword design--that would be unusual for a military issue sword. Ordinarily, I would agree with you about cleaning the blade and etching it, but this one has a lot of "character" and is probably a worthy old warrior that deserves to keep its age and dignity. The patina on the blade is dark and stable. Sansibar is another name that could be applied to it. Matulis is a Tagalog word, and I don't think this is a Tagalog sword. Ian.

6th July 2015, 05:09 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,212	Hello Ian, the small diameter of the ferrules of this both swords could be a sign of Batangas origin, what you think? Regards, Detlef

6th July 2015, 09:36 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,398	Detlef: Yes, the Batangas swords/bolos may have small ferrules but this is not unique to Batangas. We can find central Luzon and Ilocano swords/bolos with small ferrules, and I recall some Visayan pieces having small ferrules also. Batangas is another one of those Tagalog/Visayan transition zones for edged weapons, with a preponderance of Tagalog styles IMO. Batangas is adjacent to Cavite, which may or may not be relevant if this sword was used by the Katipunan. I think the key to the origin of this one lies in its unusual hilt and whether we can find a provenanced example of this hilt that links it to a particular place. Ian

6th July 2015, 11:51 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	I agree that this is not Tagalog, but I would lean more toward Visayan........