Super chunky utilitarian Luzon bolo?

wildwolberine · 19th August 2023, 02:42 AM

Wanted to share this new acquisition. Large, heavy blade with a very thick spine about .75 cm at base. Substantial carabao hilt with a bump towards the pommel. Tang extends through the hilt & is peined over a steel plate. Thick steel ferrule. Simple wood scabbard with a belt hook. (You can barely see the projection in the last photo)

I suspect southern Luzon origin? The wood scabbard and large handle seem unusual. Probably the heaviest piece in my collection right now.

These are before-cleaning pics. Will clean the blade with WD-40 and 0000 steel wool and treat the horn with Hooflex.

Age probably midcentury? Thanks!

Dimensions: 56 cm overall length, 38 cm by 5 cm blade.

Ian · 20th August 2023, 12:58 AM

Hi WW,

A nice heavy general purpose bolo. I suspect this one is from Central Luzon. A picture of the other face of the scabbard might give more clues about its origin. There appears to be a quench-hardened edge. Again, a light etch might show this feature more clearly.

Heavy blades like this one were often used to split coconuts, chop wood, etc.

wildwolberine · 21st August 2023, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

A picture of the other face of the scabbard might give more clues about its origin.

Thanks Ian! Here’s a photo of the other face of the scabbard. Yes, I’ll etch it at some point to reveal any edge hardening.

Ian · 22nd August 2023, 12:39 AM

Thanks WW.

The shape of the belt hook is distinctive and similar to some leather scabbards. My memory fails me as to the location associated with that shape (I think Ilokano), but xasterix will likely know.

Ian

19th August 2023, 02:42 AM	#1
wildwolberine Member Join Date: May 2023 Location: San Antonio Posts: 110	Super chunky utilitarian Luzon bolo? Wanted to share this new acquisition. Large, heavy blade with a very thick spine about .75 cm at base. Substantial carabao hilt with a bump towards the pommel. Tang extends through the hilt & is peined over a steel plate. Thick steel ferrule. Simple wood scabbard with a belt hook. (You can barely see the projection in the last photo) I suspect southern Luzon origin? The wood scabbard and large handle seem unusual. Probably the heaviest piece in my collection right now. These are before-cleaning pics. Will clean the blade with WD-40 and 0000 steel wool and treat the horn with Hooflex. Age probably midcentury? Thanks! Dimensions: 56 cm overall length, 38 cm by 5 cm blade. Attached Images

20th August 2023, 12:58 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Hi WW, A nice heavy general purpose bolo. I suspect this one is from Central Luzon. A picture of the other face of the scabbard might give more clues about its origin. There appears to be a quench-hardened edge. Again, a light etch might show this feature more clearly. Heavy blades like this one were often used to split coconuts, chop wood, etc.

22nd August 2023, 12:39 AM	#4
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,200	Thanks WW. The shape of the belt hook is distinctive and similar to some leather scabbards. My memory fails me as to the location associated with that shape (I think Ilokano), but xasterix will likely know. Ian