Philippine Dagger Just Ended On Ebay

Robert · 2nd February 2009, 07:08 PM

Gene, Going by the pictures I would only estimate the age of this dagger to be first quarter 20th century at best and more likely the second quarter. I will know more when it arrives. What still looks odd in the pictures is that if the hilt is off-set it looks like it was designed to be held with the pointed side of the guard pointing down or out (fingers side) and the shorter side (thumb side) pointing up or in. Most daggers with straight guards that I've seen seem to be designed to be griped ether way.

Dimasalang, Thank you very much for your kind words. If this had not been pointed out to me by another member of this forum I might have overlooked it myself.

There are still probably quite a few of these out there so you should be able to find one. Good luck in the hunt and when you do find one please post pictures.

Thank you both again for you interest.

Robert

Atlantia · 2nd February 2009, 07:29 PM

yes bud, I completely agree about the handle.
What are your thoughts on the spike?

Robert · 2nd February 2009, 07:59 PM

No really sure at all. Maybe to rake or gouge with? I was hoping that some of the other members trained in the fighting arts might be able to help out on this.

Robert

t_c · 2nd February 2009, 09:03 PM

Great dagger Robert! In my FMA experience, I have never been shown any specific techniques using a pointed guard (maybe someone else has been though), otherwise I think you are right on: gouge/rake/poke ideas. Sharp and pointy can always be useful, if even just for the incidentals. It definitely adds interest to the piece, and I'm thinking that it probably has more to do with the artistic application of available materials than actually improving on the weapon - can you really improve on a blade like that!?

Either way, a really nice dagger!

Battara · 3rd February 2009, 02:20 AM

This is an Ilocano dagger. May have been used in a form similar to espada y daga.

Robert · 3rd February 2009, 09:58 PM

Thank you for the identification Jose. I was waiting for it to arrive before posting my thoughts on its origin and who possible made it. Because of not being as knowledgeable as you and others on the forum, I wanted to see the end of the hilt before making my determination.

What are your thoughts on the age of this piece? I was thinking either first or second quarter of the 20th century and hoping for the first.

Thank you again for your help and interest.

Robert

Battara · 4th February 2009, 01:47 AM

As far as age is concerned, I would rather wait for better pictures.

2nd February 2009, 07:08 PM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Gene, Going by the pictures I would only estimate the age of this dagger to be first quarter 20th century at best and more likely the second quarter. I will know more when it arrives. What still looks odd in the pictures is that if the hilt is off-set it looks like it was designed to be held with the pointed side of the guard pointing down or out (fingers side) and the shorter side (thumb side) pointing up or in. Most daggers with straight guards that I've seen seem to be designed to be griped ether way. Dimasalang, Thank you very much for your kind words. If this had not been pointed out to me by another member of this forum I might have overlooked it myself. There are still probably quite a few of these out there so you should be able to find one. Good luck in the hunt and when you do find one please post pictures. Thank you both again for you interest. Robert

2nd February 2009, 07:29 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	yes bud, I completely agree about the handle. What are your thoughts on the spike?

2nd February 2009, 07:59 PM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	No really sure at all. Maybe to rake or gouge with? I was hoping that some of the other members trained in the fighting arts might be able to help out on this. Robert

2nd February 2009, 09:03 PM	#4
t_c Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ca, usa Posts: 92	Great dagger Robert! In my FMA experience, I have never been shown any specific techniques using a pointed guard (maybe someone else has been though), otherwise I think you are right on: gouge/rake/poke ideas. Sharp and pointy can always be useful, if even just for the incidentals. It definitely adds interest to the piece, and I'm thinking that it probably has more to do with the artistic application of available materials than actually improving on the weapon - can you really improve on a blade like that!? Either way, a really nice dagger!

3rd February 2009, 02:20 AM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	This is an Ilocano dagger. May have been used in a form similar to espada y daga.

3rd February 2009, 09:58 PM	#6
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Thank you for the identification Jose. I was waiting for it to arrive before posting my thoughts on its origin and who possible made it. Because of not being as knowledgeable as you and others on the forum, I wanted to see the end of the hilt before making my determination. What are your thoughts on the age of this piece? I was thinking either first or second quarter of the 20th century and hoping for the first. Thank you again for your help and interest. Robert

4th February 2009, 01:47 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	As far as age is concerned, I would rather wait for better pictures.