Help ID this sword.

[coins and relics]

I have recently inherited an old sword that was found during the Korean War. I was unable to learn much of the story as to how it was found, and it seems nobody in the family remembers anything about it. I know that it is a machete, though I don't know any specifics about the blade other than this. What I am asking is for help in trying to identify who it was possibly made by, and any historical information that might pertain to a blade like this. I would also like suggestions on where I could take this to learn more information about it, as the local university and museum wont help identify weaponry.

As I have stated the sword is a machete, though unlike any I can find. It is a stag handled blade, but what i found most interesting is that the blade itself had decorative engravings along both its sides.

The blades measurements are as follow:
total length from tip of blade to end of handle: 30 1/2"
Length of grip: 6 "
length from start of blade to tip on the side with an edge: 24"
Length on blade on side not sharpened: 21 3/4"
width of blade at widest point: 2 1/2"
Width of blade just above the handle: 1 3/4"

 

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[Monty]

Re: Need Help with ID

Did it have anything to do with the Korean Conflict or is that just the era it was found in? MOnty

 

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[Drache]

Re: Need Help with ID

Ok the blade you have appears to be what is called a "parang". It's a Malaysian equivalent to a machete (although it might not be Malaysian but definately Pacific rim or island). Usually ones that "fancy" were sold as souvenirs. Below I've attached a picture of a modern day parang. There is no way to 100% tell you where it was made exactly or exactly how old it is (although if it was from the same era as the korean war then at least 56 years old).

 

[coins and relics]

Re: Need Help with ID

The blade was found by a soldier while in Korea fighting. I dont know the exact specifics as to where it was found. So all I know is it was found during the war by a soldier in the conflict, This does not mean it is from the conflict. Just that it happened to be found then and there.

 

[coins and relics]

Re: Need Help with ID

The parang does look close other than the angle of the handle so I looked into that style blade a little bit more. From the information I can find about that style blade, It appears a parang is a much shorter blade. Here is some text I found about the parang.

A parang blade is usually 30 centimetres (12 in) long.

The same site I found that text on also stated that a Parang is much like a Machete. And when you read more into it, says that a machete is a larger blade usually 20 - 24" in length.

You could possibly be right about the parang, but as far as I can find there is no information stating that the parang (knife) Is made in such a length.

 

[Drache]

Re: Need Help with ID

Yes but many different islands, peoples, cultures, whatever have their own versions. It's rare for two blades to look 100% identical since one island will make it one way and yet people on a neighboring island makes them their way. Even the shapes of the blades can be different.

 

[Monty]

Re: Need Help with ID

I was aware that N. Korean soldiers made mass suiside charges much like the Japanese Banzi charges during WWII. But I think they used the straight bladed oriental sword, or something similar to the Sabre. So, no help there. Monty

 

[coins and relics]

Re: Need Help with ID

drache, I do value your input, and I agree 100% with the belief it will be near impossible to match the blade exactly. I just noticed that the blade you spoke of is called a parang (knife) by the various sights I have looked at and all of them are showing the blades dimentions at a much smaller scale than the one I have.

I honestly know very little about swords and the various makes or styles and value all imput greatly, as you are all giving me new avenues to continue my search. I just do not personally accept the parang idea do to the dimensions of my own blade and no evidence of parang being that large.

 

[Drache]

Re: Need Help with ID

I just noticed that the blade you spoke of is called a parang (knife) by the various sights I have looked at and all of them are showing the blades dimentions at a much smaller scale than the one I have.

I honestly know very little about swords and the various makes or styles and value all imput greatly, as you are all giving me new avenues to continue my search. I just do not personally accept the parang idea do to the dimensions of my own blade and no evidence of parang being that large.

A parang is not the exact name of a type of machete/knife/sword, parang simply means a cutting/chopping "tool". So any type of machete type knife from the rim is classified as a parang even though they can look totally different.

25" blade
http://www.oriental-arms.co.il/item.php?id=3318

22" blade
http://www.eriksedge.com/INDO126.html

 

[coins and relics]

Thanks for that added information about the parang. I think that you have shown alot of evidence that this sword could be a parang, but if a parang is just any cutting tool found from that area. What tells you this was a forging of that area. I am genuinely curious as I want to learn more about its possible past.

I noticed with most of the parang blades they have a definite curved angle on the handle and I dont see that with mine, but the actual blade appears very similar.

Is it common to have large variations in the grips. I would think a style of blade would be comprised by the entirety of the sword not just the blade, but the handle as well.

Thanks a bunch though for the information you have already provided or any more you are willing to share.

 

[Tnmountains]

Re: Need Help with ID

I don't think hunting swords as they were very ornate and the point was made to drive through an animal. It has the tip of a Parang machete though they can be pointed as well and does resemble a machete or chopping weapon. Is of Filipino origin but has been adopted by many cultures .Here is one with a guard like yours may have had. When I see a guard I usually think of weapon.This one I shown was also a point weapon as well as a cutting weapon
MHO but what do I know I Fence in Modern Sabre,lol.
I like the sword and if you send a pic to Michael D Long over in Europe they will nail it for you. I have bought some nice items from them.
Good Luck

TnMountains

 

[Tnmountains]

Haaaa I did not see the green check before my post. Oh well they did a good job on the ID
Later