Unusual Philippine bolo for discussion

Sajen · 31st July 2015, 08:28 PM

Some time ago I have acquired this very unusual bolo. On the first look you may think that it is a Visayan talibon but what is unusual that the edge is chiseled on both sides. So I want to ask you if you have seen something similar before and have a clue from where this bolo could be.
The length with the scabbard is just under 25". Blade length is 18 1/2". Widest point of blade is just over 2".
Like always are all comments are very welcome.

Battara · 1st August 2015, 07:22 PM

I'm still thinking Visayan, but perhaps WWII.

Sajen · 1st August 2015, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I'm still thinking Visayan, but perhaps WWII.

Jose, thank you for comment!

Yes, my guess as well but maybe from a smaller island in the West. WWII or a little bit earlier is as well a good guess, the scabbard bands are from lead or zinc, very unusual IMO. And it seems well used.

Regards,
Detlef

Ian · 4th August 2015, 07:23 AM

Detlef:

A couple of other suggestions about the bands and ferrule. Could these be aluminum or possibly galvanized iron (i.e., iron plated with zinc)?

I tend to agree with Jose--post-WWII or thereabouts, and from the Visayas (possibly made to order for a US serviceman). The scabbard style looks eastern Visayan to me.

Ian

Sajen · 4th August 2015, 03:48 PM

Thank you for comment Ian. The bands are from lead, zinc or something similar. So it is from the East Visayas. I've thought West because the blade shape remember to some tenegre blades IMO.
I doubt a little bit that it is a early tourist piece, the blade look well used, there are a lot of nicks at the edge.

Regards,
Detlef

31st July 2015, 08:28 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Unusual Philippine bolo for discussion Some time ago I have acquired this very unusual bolo. On the first look you may think that it is a Visayan talibon but what is unusual that the edge is chiseled on both sides. So I want to ask you if you have seen something similar before and have a clue from where this bolo could be. The length with the scabbard is just under 25". Blade length is 18 1/2". Widest point of blade is just over 2". Like always are all comments are very welcome. Attached Images

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1st August 2015, 07:22 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	I'm still thinking Visayan, but perhaps WWII.

4th August 2015, 07:23 AM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,198	Detlef: A couple of other suggestions about the bands and ferrule. Could these be aluminum or possibly galvanized iron (i.e., iron plated with zinc)? I tend to agree with Jose--post-WWII or thereabouts, and from the Visayas (possibly made to order for a US serviceman). The scabbard style looks eastern Visayan to me. Ian

4th August 2015, 03:48 PM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Thank you for comment Ian. The bands are from lead, zinc or something similar. So it is from the East Visayas. I've thought West because the blade shape remember to some tenegre blades IMO. I doubt a little bit that it is a early tourist piece, the blade look well used, there are a lot of nicks at the edge. Regards, Detlef