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Post by Croccifixio on Feb 10, 2018 9:11:11 GMT
Also note Batangas being a possible origin of your other blades.
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Post by otack on Feb 10, 2018 21:36:12 GMT
Here are a few pictures of the Barong, as well as my great-grandfather's bayonet and pistol. Supposedly they were not allowed to carry guns but he received a special dispensation due to being 'out in the bush' and all. Checking the diary, on Monday Dec 21st, 1903 he mentions being in Bacarra, which is awful far north and west in the Philippines. There's also mention of someone leaving to head to Magsingal. I've got a lot more reading to do.
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Post by Timo Nieminen on Feb 10, 2018 22:17:41 GMT
Here are a few pictures of the Barong, Not a barong, but rather a talibong. Likely from the eastern Visayas; from the list posted by Croccifixio, perhaps Samar. These vary from knife-sized to sword-sized. Single-sided grind AKA chisel-grind, usually right-handed (like yours).
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Post by otack on Feb 11, 2018 2:12:03 GMT
Okay! More information! The bolo was acquired in the Vintar area of Ilocos Norte Province from his 'machacho (boy servant)', it having apparently belonged to his father and been buried for some time.
He was intentionally seeking 'war relics' and bolos that had seen service by the Insurrectors. One of the quotes from his letters talking about bolos says "The law limits the length to eighteen (or sixteen?) inches and states that they shall not be pointed, this limiting them to the manufacture of work bolos only." It looks like a lot of the Filipinos were very hesitant to come forward to admit ownership to him for fear of prosecution which he had to quell their fears about. The talibong was bought in such a manner after having made some not so subtle references in a shop (Blas Cid’s) in Vintar that he was looking for war relics and people approaching him after a drought brought on hard times.
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Post by otack on Feb 15, 2018 0:47:51 GMT
While from an entirely different culture and part of the world, would something like a French 1882 Infantry Officer's sword share some common themes with the bolo I have? They have come from the same time frame, have some obvious differences (bolo focusing on slash vs stab? length) but it seems like there may be some commonality too?
The M1882 IO seems to speak to me more than a lot of other infantry swords I've looked at that may give me a similar feel
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Post by Jordan Williams on Feb 15, 2018 1:34:32 GMT
I can't say I think it would share common themes, aside from the time period. Perhaps something like the Austrian M1861 or American 1850 may be similar in balde function?
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Post by Croccifixio on Feb 15, 2018 1:53:28 GMT
Can’t say I see anything in common. The 1882 is a sophisticated officer’s thrusting sword that’s ideal for duels and not much else. The bolo is a layman’s do it all weapon and tool that’s meant to hack grass and limbs. Perhaps their similarity is in that representative/iconic nature.
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Post by otack on Feb 15, 2018 2:30:31 GMT
I may be making things up and have just decided I like the look of it and want to add one to the collection, lol.
I'll take a gander at those other suggestions, thanks!
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Post by otack on Feb 15, 2018 2:49:35 GMT
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Post by Jordan Williams on Feb 15, 2018 2:50:49 GMT
Yeah, the 1907 is a fun sword. Make sure you get a variation you like though, I've had about 4 and they've all been different.
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