A Rare Sword Shown in Cato's MORO SWORDS

[CharlesS]

For collectors of Moro blades and other blades from the Philippines, the Baltimore show was a "bonanza!" There was a large quantity of Filipino blades there, and some supremely RARE ones. I was fortunate enough to get one of the very rare ones, and one that was a previous part of Dave Schmiedt's renowned collection. I am sure this sword had a name among the Moros, but I am not sure what that name was. It is not a barung; it's too light, and the spine of the blade does not have the consistent curve of a barung. The wooden hilt is beautifully carved in a naga, or serpent, motif with silver eyes and inserts down its spine. The ferrule is like one typically seen on a barung. This sword is the same sword shown in Robert Cato's book, MORO SWORDS (Singapore, 1996). the sword had no scabbard, but I would have to imagine that it originally had a scabbard similar to a barung, with its ferrule neatly fitting into the center of the mouth of the scabbard. Overall length: 25in./63.5cm/ Blade length: 18.25in./46.36cm/ Blade's widest point: 2.5in./6.4cm
A pic of the sword in Mr. Cato's book is attached. He also does not name the sword.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

For collectors of Moro blades and other blades from the Philippines, the Baltimore show was a "bonanza!" There was a large quantity of Filipino blades there, and some supremely RARE ones. I was fortunate enough to get one of the very rare ones, and one that was a previous part of Dave Schmiedt's renowned collection. I am sure this sword had a name among the Moros, but I am not sure what that name was. It is not a barung; it's too light, and the spine of the blade does not have the consistent curve of a barung. The wooden hilt is beautifully carved in a naga, or serpent, motif with silver eyes and inserts down its spine. The ferrule is like one typically seen on a barung. This sword is the same sword shown in Robert Cato's book, MORO SWORDS (Singapore, 1996). the sword had no scabbard, but I would have to imagine that it originally had a scabbard similar to a barung, with its ferrule neatly fitting into the center of the mouth of the scabbard. Overall length: 25in./63.5cm/ Blade length: 18.25in./46.36cm/ Blade's widest point: 2.5in./6.4cm
A pic of the sword in Mr. Cato's book is attached. He also does not name the sword.

Hello, just curious if this sword has an upper edge near the tip. Thanks!

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hello, just curious if this sword has an upper edge near the tip. Thanks!

No, it does not.

[drac2k]

I think the name for your sword is "beautiful!" That is the second treasure I saw you pull out of Baltimore................... you and Ron need to give someone else a chance, LOL.

[CharlesS]

Originally Posted by drac2k

I think the name for your sword is "beautiful!" That is the second treasure I saw you pull out of Baltimore................... you and Ron need to give someone else a chance, LOL.

Thank you so much! It was just a matter of sheer luck. We’ve been there so many years and found absolutely nothing. And this year it was like stuff was coming out of the woodwork. I feel very lucky, and I know Ron does too. Thanks for your kind comment.

[xasterix]

There's a blade made by Sulu pandays nowadays that closely resembles yours. It has a much simpler hilt, it's definitely smaller size overall, but the blade profile is similar. The Tausug said it's used for utility purposes- in the farm, in the marketplace. I'm not familiar with the name, but I'm attaching the picture.