FILIPINO WEAPONRY DURING THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR


Filipino Picket Line using the Krag Carbines (.30-40 Krag)

So what weapons were issued to the Filipino insurgents during the Spanish-American War of 1898 as well as the subsequent Philippine-American War of 1899-1902? I believe the Springfield Trapdoor rifle was carried by most American volunteer units and the Krag-Jorgenson Rifle carried by the U.S. Regular Army troops and the "Rough Riders" in Cuba. The Spanish forces were issued the Spanish Mauser M1893. But how were the Filipino insurgents outfitted and trained during this period? Were they issued US rifles as well as captured Spanish Mausers?


Filipino Troops using Remington Rolling Block (cal. 11mm)



The Filipino troops were armed with old rifles and bolos and carrying anting-anting (magical charms). The insurgents wore straw hats or sometimes a grey or white felt hats with black bands, long loose fitting jackets, usually white. Pants were of many colours, but rust red and grey seemed most prevalent. The only equipment was a leather haversack for ammunition, rations, and personal items. As soon as the U.S. Army replaced the Spaniards, the US troops met the full fury of the Moros, who wreaked much havoc with their razor-sharp bolos, barongs and krises. The insurgents also attempted to capture as many modern military rifles from their adversaries as possible. The insurgent government offered rewards for captured Krags which the Filipino esteemed as much as he did a Mauser (I assume the Spanish Mauser M1892).


Spanish Mauser Model 1892 (cal. 7 X 57mm)

The American government organized and equipped the Philippine Constabulary and gradually turned the problem of putting down the insurrectionists over to the Filipino allies. Interestingly, some Moros served with distinction in the Constabulary as well. The Constabulary, trained and led by American military officers, was initially armed with .45-70 Trapdoor carbines since the smaller statured Filipinos were not comfortable with full-length rifles. After the turn of the century, a number of M1899 Krag carbines, along with a few M1898 carbines, were altered for Constabulary use by the fitting them with cut-down M1898 Krag rifle stocks equipped with sling swivels and bayonet lugs. The ends of the larger diameter carbine barrels were lathe-turned down in order to permit the use of the standard bayonet. These modified Krag carbines resembled miniature rifles, and are typically known today as Philippine Constabulary Rifles.

M1898 Krag Carbine rifle (.30-40 Krag)

The weapon of choice for the Spanish forces was the 7x57mm Mauser M1893 rifle which fired smokeless powder. This was superior to the Springfield trapdoor rifle and to the Krag-Jorgenson Rifle carried by most of the American volunteer units and U.S. Regular Army troops and the "Rough Riders" respectively.

U.S. Army Troops using Krag Rifles (.30-40 Krag)

Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War reported on the difficulties of locating the Spanish at Las Guasimas commenting "...as we advanced we were, of course, exposed,...But they themselves were entirely invisible. The jungle covered everything, and not the faintest trace of smoke was to be seen in any direction to indicate from whence the bullets came." The effects of the superior Spanish weapons were again felt at San Juan Hill and El Caney. This experience led to the U.S. development of the 1903 Springfield after being bested on the field of battle by the Model 1893 and it was intended to be used by “first line” or regular troops.



As for the Filipino forces and insurgents, here are typical non-arms weapons. These are Moro Spear Head, Philippine Short Sword and Talibon Fighting Knife.



And of course, they used whatever "captured" arms they could find whether it be US or Spanish.Also, I did find some references to the Philippine Constabulary Krag. It seems a collector must be very careful in chosing one claiming to one of these rare finds.