I've been asked this question often. While, I wish I could provide a comprehensive list of Moro weapons, this site only has brief details on a few, primarily those of the Islamic Tribes. So in other words, just because it isn't shown on this site doesn't mean it isn't a Moro Weapon. I am very happy to help those interested in identifying what they have. However without pictures it can be difficult. So if you need help identifying something, or would like to know more about it I need pictures. Without pictures it can be difficult.

While I wish I could easily write out what a tourist weapon looks like, it isn't so simple. One thing that I realized when I first started out, was that there's no better way than comparing a tourist sword to an actual one. Many tourist weapons are well made. Often they feature sharp blades, and many embellishments on the hilt and scabbard. Some even sport heavily engraved blades. Now its simple to say that the quality of actual Moro weapons is much better but until you can compare them both it's hard to explain. While they say a picture is worth a thousand words, well holding the actual item must be worth a million, because I for one realized right away the difference once I could compare a real Moro sword to a tourist one. However I'll try and give it a shot to explain. The most obvious difference can be seen in the blade. Real Moro Weapons have very organic and flowing lines. With tourist blades, the curves of a kris will be much more angular. Also, real Moro Swords have a good heft to them with graceful distal tapering, making them well balanced. However, most tourist swords lack this tapering, are much thinner to compensate, and feel awkward. Also, tourist items tend to be very embellish, with handles and scabbards of enormous proportions. Now with all this being said, if it does feel right well it probably isn't. Also there are exceptions to all rules, particularly with Moro Swords. Each of these weapons was custom made by hand, so there are a vast amount of differences. So when in doubt feel free to ask.

For age, and tribal location there is much controversy. In Robert Cato's book he does give some clues/tips for what to look for, however there are critics, and it still takes time to develop an eye for these things (Im still working at it myself). Though all in all it is a very good book (right now probably the best written reference), and for someone who is starting out it's an excellent start. Another resource is the EEWRS, or the Ethnographic Edge Weapons Resource Site. It features a forum in which many knowledgeable people can give their help as well. This is the place where I go when I don't know what something is, and many of the people there have many years of experience. It is one of the few forums where I can honestly say the academic quality is top-notch.

As for what your weapons worth, I have no idea. I am not a power collector, nor an antique dealer. My collection is small, and while I wish I could purchase more items I have a family and other bills to pay. The best I can do is give you an idea of what prices I've seen, but well I'm not a dealer. The people to ask are the dealers. Try Erik Farrow at www.eriksedge.com, or Fred Coluzzi at www.fredericksantiqueswords.com. They are dealers, and pricing these things is their job not mine. What I can tell you is that I see a wide disparity in costs. Some dealers charge exhorbatent amounts, and others are very fair. However with this being said, I trust Erik Farrow very much. He is an upstanding dealer, and one of the finest I've ever dealt with, and the first person that I will always recommend in a heartbeat. Fred Coluzzi is also widely respected as well, and has many years of experience. Also if you want you can try ebay, but like most things on ebay prices vary greatly.

Now if you're looking for Moro Swords, again try the dealers. In my links section I've listed a number of dealers. I do not link to people I do not feel comfortable linking to. They're all trustworthy honest individuals, so don't worry. Now another place to look is ebay. However my word of warning is that unless you know what you're looking for beware. Many reputable dealers post what they have on Ebay, but there are a whole bunch of questionable people on it too. Also when you deal with ebay you're dealing with other bidders, like me. Now I'm not a power bidder, and I can't bid hundreds of dollars on everything I see, but there are power bidders on Ebay who can. So my warning is do not over pay. Be patient. Like with most things Moro swords come and go. If you wait you usually will be able to find something that you like at a good price.

Well here's my section on what is it, and what it's worth. I understand it may not be too helpful, but well I tried. I don't mean to discourage you from asking me questions, and I encourage you to feel free to ask me or visit the EEWRS. I firmly believe knowledge is meant to be shared. If I cannot help you answer a question I will always refer you to someone who may be able to.