Collection of Edged Weapons, Air Rifle, and Novelty Walking Stick
Estimated value
$450 - $850Rarity
Ordinary(3/10)Category
MilitariaEra
Circa 1880 - 1980Origin
🌍 InternationalAuthenticity
COLLECTION OF EDGED WEAPONS, AIR RIFLE, AND NOVELTY WALKING STICK: IDENTIFICATION
A mixed assemblage of decorative and functional items including four 19th-century style patterns of military sabers, a Philippine Talibon or Garab with a carved wooden scabbard, a mid-20th century break-barrel air rifle (likely a Milbro or Diana model), and a modern novelty walking cane with a cast dragon-motif handle. The sabers feature stirrup guards and ribbed grips, appearing as later 19th-century European or colonial patterns, though the absence of clear fuller or pommel details suggests they may be cadet or ceremonial variants.
Compare with other militaria in the archive: North African Miquelet-Lock Musket (Moukhala), Edo Period Iron Tsuba with Musashino Grass and Silver Inlay, Italian Carcano M91 Long Rifle and Mauser Karabiner 98k.
CROSS-CULTURAL PARALLELS
Where This Object Echoes
The sabers mimic the 1821/1853 Pattern light cavalry swords used across the British Empire.
Ritual & Ceremonial Use
- •The Philippine Talibon is often associated with the 'Sandata' martial arts traditions of the Visayan islands.
Meaning Through Time
The air rifle represents the shift of firearm technology from military/survival use to domestic recreation and youth sport.
ISSUE & SERVICE HISTORY
SCARCITY
Standard antiques commonly found at estate sales and flea markets. Plentiful supply meets modest demand.
Rarity 3/10. Curiosa currently catalogues 20 militaria items at rarity 3 or higher.
Typical Characteristics
- Moderate production runs
- Common at estate sales
- Entry-level collectibles
Confidence Factors
- The sabers may be high-quality 20th-century reproductions or theater props rather than combat-issue antiques.
- Novelty walking stick is a modern mass-produced item with low historical value.
- Condition of steel makes identification of original maker marks difficult without cleaning.
MILITARY HISTORIAN'S TAKE
Militaria Historian
Clear identification of the Philippine piece and the general patterns of the sabers is possible, but maker-level attribution requires closer inspection of stamps obscured by rust or distance.
KEY EVIDENCE
- 1Stirrup-hilt guard geometry on the sabers matches late 19th-century Light Cavalry patterns.
- 2Carved wooden scabbard and leaf-shaped blade profile indicate Visayan (Philippine) origin for the fifth item.
- 3Break-barrel mechanism and rear sight block on the rifle are diagnostic of mid-century European airguns.
- 4Dragon handle on the cane shows casting seams and chrome finish characteristic of modern giftware.
UNCERTAINTIES
- •Lack of visible markings on the saber ricassos suggests they may be unbranded imports or ceremonial copies.
- •Aggressive rusting on saber blades may hide deeper structural damage or pitting.
WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY
- →Locate and photograph the top of the air rifle barrel for maker stamps (e.g., 'Diana' or 'Milbro').
- →Inspect the saber ricassos (base of the blade) for 'Made in India' or 'Solingen' stamps.
- →Check for military acceptance marks (e.g., Broad Arrow or Crown over number) on the sword guards.
CONDITION & GRADE
Grading breakdown
Blades show darkening consistent with poor storage (Grade 4/10); air rifle appears complete but lacks finish on the barrel (Grade 5/10).
Condition
Significant active oxidation and surface rust on the saber blades. The air rifle stock shows numerous white scuff marks and impact dents. The leather-covered scabbard on the centered sword is peeling and shows moisture damage.
Weight & feel
The sabers likely weigh between 800-1100 grams each; the air rifle has a substantial wood-and-iron heft of approximately 2.5 kg.
MILITARIA VALUATION
Updated: May 11, 2026
Who buys this
General militaria collectors, ethnographic weapon enthusiasts, and vintage airgun restorers.
What increases value
- •Completeness of the Philippine sword and scabbard
- •Functionality of the air rifle's compression system
- •Identification of specific military arsenals on the sabers
What lowers value
- •Heavy rust pitting on the saber blades
- •Non-functional or 'blown' seals in the air rifle
- •Modern novelty nature of the walking stick (minimal value)
What makes top-tier examples
- •Original matching scabbards for all sabers
- •Documented unit markings on the hilts
- •Excellent bluing remaining on the rifle barrel
Grade & condition
Rust depth, wood integrity, and the presence of original maker marks.
Rarity & demand
For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.
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