Visayan bolo/sword for comment

Sajen · 15th December 2013, 12:55 PM

Just bought this short Visayan sword or bolo. It is sheathed 23 inch long with a blade from 16 inch.

Any thoughts about the age and exact orign. have looked already longer for one with a naga (?) handle.

Sajen · 21st December 2013, 12:20 PM

Nearly 100 views and not one comment?

kai · 22nd December 2013, 07:42 PM

Hello Detlef,

Certainly looks like a lovely blade of good workmanship! How does it feel?

The hilt seems to have some patina but the craftmanship seems to be a bit rough - first half of 20th century or post WW2?

The scabbard also has the traditional leather intact; the metal bands look like more recent replacements to me; not sure about the woodcarving - patina seems to be in line with the scabbard though.

Let's hear what the Visayas specialists can contribute!

Regards,
Kai

Sajen · 22nd December 2013, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Detlef,

Certainly looks like a lovely blade of good workmanship! How does it feel?

The hilt seems to have some patina but the craftmanship seems to be a bit rough - first half of 20th century or post WW2?

The scabbard also has the traditional leather intact; the metal bands look like more recent replacements to me; not sure about the woodcarving - patina seems to be in line with the scabbard though.

Let's hear what the Visayas specialists can contribute!

Regards,
Kai

Hello Kai,

thank you for comment!

Still haven't received it until now so can't tell the feel in hand. The good worked blade and the price let me bid.

Agree, the handle seems worked rough but all other features let me think that it was worked around WWII, maybe a little bit more early. The fittings from the scabbard seems to be from iron and maybe someone have cleaned them not long ago.

Will be able to tell more after I have received it.

Regards,

Detlef

Iain · 22nd December 2013, 08:59 PM

Interesting to see the leather on the sheath. The scabbard bands look to be of the same age and material as the ferrule?

Sajen · 22nd December 2013, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iain

Interesting to see the leather on the sheath. The scabbard bands look to be of the same age and material as the ferrule?

Hello Ian,

the leather on the throath of the scabbard is typical for Visayan swords. And the way how it's attached let me think that it is more early as from Kai supposed, see here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=visayan
And yes, I agree, the material of the ferrule and scabbard bands are the same material and seems from the same age. My guess of the age would be 1920-1930.

Look for comparison here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=visayan
I think by the quality of the blade that it's an old fighter.

Regards,

Detlef

15th December 2013, 12:55 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,571	Visayan bolo/sword for comment Just bought this short Visayan sword or bolo. It is sheathed 23 inch long with a blade from 16 inch. Any thoughts about the age and exact orign. have looked already longer for one with a naga (?) handle. Attached Images

21st December 2013, 12:20 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,571	Nearly 100 views and not one comment?

22nd December 2013, 07:42 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,223	Hello Detlef, Certainly looks like a lovely blade of good workmanship! How does it feel? The hilt seems to have some patina but the craftmanship seems to be a bit rough - first half of 20th century or post WW2? The scabbard also has the traditional leather intact; the metal bands look like more recent replacements to me; not sure about the woodcarving - patina seems to be in line with the scabbard though. Let's hear what the Visayas specialists can contribute! Regards, Kai

22nd December 2013, 08:59 PM	#5
Iain Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Olomouc Posts: 1,682	Interesting to see the leather on the sheath. The scabbard bands look to be of the same age and material as the ferrule?