Original Item: One Only. This is a very nice curved short sword from the Philippines, as used by the Moro people. The collective term Moro people or Bangsamoro people refers to the 13 Islamized ethnolinguistic groups of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. They had fought against the United States during the Philippine-American War of 1899 - 1902, in which the Moro tribe rebelled against American rule. The insurrection had been going on since the early 1890s, when the Spanish still claimed the Philippines as their Colony. However, after their defeat by the United States in the Spanish American War, the Philippine islands were ceded to the U.S.. Most of the Moro tribe actually continued the struggle until their final defeat in 1913. 

During WWII, The Moros fought against the Japanese occupation of Mindanao and Sulu during World War II and eventually drove them out. Also when the Japanese occupied the northern Borneo area, they also helped their relatives there in a struggle to fight off the Japanese where many of them, including women and children, were massacred after their revolt with the Chinese had been foiled by the Japanese.

When the U.S. defeated Japan and the Philippines were freed, many U.S. serviceman brought back mementos from the Islands, which sadly had suffered large losses of life due to Japanese occupation.

This knife is made in a curved, almost sickle like design, except it is sharpened on the outer edge. This example is only sharpened from one side, much like many of the U.S. "bolo" machetes. It is in contained in a nicely carved wooden scabbard. This example dates to the early 20th century period, and has a 12 7/8 inch curved blade, with an overall length of 17 3/8 inches. The blade is1 5/8 inches wide at its widest point. The grip is made from a single piece of wood, with the tang of the blade pressed in directly and most likely glued in place with plant resin. There is a brass fitting around the end, and the grip is finished with clear lacquer

It comes contained in the original wood scabbard nicely bound with metal wire in 4 places. Originally it had wire in 6 places, but two wiring bindings are now missing. There are nice carvings around the throat and on the drag. It shows some wear but does not seem to be missing any wood. There is a bolster for attachment of a waist or shoulder strap, but there is only a short piece of rope in it.

Please See Stone's Glossary page 390 to see various styles of these Philippine Moro Swords. 

Very interesting and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 12 7/8"
Blade Style: Single Edge Curved
Overall length: 17 3/8“
Scabbard Length: 14 3/4"