WW2 era Philippine bolo/machete

AHite · 20th January 2023, 02:52 PM

I just bought this piece. The tag on it said, "WWII Philippine Bring Back". It could well be from the Philippines, but would like opinions from forum members. The blade is hand forged, possibly from a leaf spring. The back edge of the blade measures 6mm on average, plus or minus a bit. It tapers drastically to a bevel edge, and is blunt at the end of the blade. Blade measures 57cm in length, and is 4cm at the widest point. In the middle, the initials P. A. are punched into the blade.

The handle looks like it might have been machine made, seeing as how the rings are all equally spaced. It makes me wonder if the blade is much older than the handle. Long tang goes through the handle to be retained by a washer with the tang end peened.

I really don't know if this is a bolo or machete by definition, but definitely a chopping blade. Thoughts?

RobT · 20th January 2023, 11:36 PM

Hi Ahite,

It looks like a US corn knife to me. I have seen a lot of these at antique fairs described as such. I have been told that many were made from broken civil war sabers.

Sincerely,
RobT

Interested Party · 21st January 2023, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobT

Hi Ahite,

It looks like a US corn knife to me. I have seen a lot of these at antique fairs described as such. I have been told that many were made from broken civil war sabers.

Sincerely,
RobT

Corn knife was my first impression. Except for the spine. I have never seen a spine like that on an American agricultural blade. I guess a broken saber could explain it.

AHite · 21st January 2023, 01:56 AM

I'm certain now that this is a corn knife made from an old sword. US Civil War sword most likely. I thought the blade had some age to it. Repurposed war weapon to farm implement. Thanks for your input!

20th January 2023, 02:52 PM	#1
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 48	WW2 era Philippine bolo/machete I just bought this piece. The tag on it said, "WWII Philippine Bring Back". It could well be from the Philippines, but would like opinions from forum members. The blade is hand forged, possibly from a leaf spring. The back edge of the blade measures 6mm on average, plus or minus a bit. It tapers drastically to a bevel edge, and is blunt at the end of the blade. Blade measures 57cm in length, and is 4cm at the widest point. In the middle, the initials P. A. are punched into the blade. The handle looks like it might have been machine made, seeing as how the rings are all equally spaced. It makes me wonder if the blade is much older than the handle. Long tang goes through the handle to be retained by a washer with the tang end peened. I really don't know if this is a bolo or machete by definition, but definitely a chopping blade. Thoughts? Attached Images

20th January 2023, 11:36 PM	#2
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 487	Corn Knife Hi Ahite, It looks like a US corn knife to me. I have seen a lot of these at antique fairs described as such. I have been told that many were made from broken civil war sabers. Sincerely, RobT

21st January 2023, 01:56 AM	#4
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 48	I'm certain now that this is a corn knife made from an old sword. US Civil War sword most likely. I thought the blade had some age to it. Repurposed war weapon to farm implement. Thanks for your input!