Mandaya bolo for discussion

Sajen · 21st May 2020, 03:00 PM

Hello dear members,

It seems that we have Lumad time on the forum!

A Mandaya bolo was long on my personal wish list so I've bought this example recently so only the seller pictures for the moment. The scabbard has an inscription on both sides, one says "Bolo, Moro tribe, Mindanao, PI" on the other side I am not able to read the first name, sadly since I think to find out more when I know the the first name from the Major Bennett who seems to has collected this piece when he was positioned on the Philippines, maybe someone from you will be able to decipher his first name.
The handle is a little bit unusual when I compare it with other Mandaya bolos I've seen before but guess it's original or at least long together with the blade.
But I guess that the chain is a later addition but maybe still from the original owner, what you think?

I will post my own pictures soon as I have received it and have been able to give it a little TLC.

drac2k · 21st May 2020, 04:13 PM

What a fantastic piece; I know you will do it justice when you receive it.

Hombre · 21st May 2020, 04:31 PM

I can only agree... A fantastic piece, Detlef! Congratulations!

Marbel · 21st May 2020, 05:13 PM

Is it possible that the inscription says Major instead of mayor?

Sajen · 21st May 2020, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marbel

Is it possible that the inscription says Major instead of mayor?

For sure!

My wrong spelling!

Sajen · 21st May 2020, 06:15 PM

Drac2k and Stefan, thank you very much!

Ian · 21st May 2020, 10:17 PM

Hi Detlef:

I'm glad you got this one! I was watching the auction also. A nice older example with the upturned scabbard. From its appearance and the style of writing I would say this is a pre-WWII piece, perhaps 1900-1920.

I believe the Major's first name is Duane, a fairly common U.S. first name. I have searched online for him but no success.

Ian.

Battara · 22nd May 2020, 04:19 AM

No question: Mandaya through and through.

Glad you posted this Detlef - not a lot of Mandaya bolos out there.

Marbel · 22nd May 2020, 07:12 AM

There is record of a Captain Lucius C. Bennett, stationed in Parang, Mindanao with the 31st Infantry (headquartered in Zamboanga) at the turn of the century. Parang is just north of Cotabato City in the present day province of Maguindanao. This is not Mandaya country, but certainly is Moro (as noted on the scabbard).

Sajen · 22nd May 2020, 04:23 PM

Ian:
Thank you! I hope that I will be able to decipher the first name soon as I have it here in my hands. And yes, I would concur with your age guess.

Jose:
This was the reason to buy it, they are so seldom seen for selling that I didn't want to let it go.

It's not fancy as your one but a honest example with provenance which need to get uncovered.

Craig:
Thank you very much! The only confusing fact is that it was a Captain and on the scabbard is written Major!

I am not very firm with ranks in the US army, is it possible that it is the same person?

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 22nd May 2020, 04:45 PM

It certainly wouldn't be unusual for an officer to get a promotion, especially in an environment of conflict.

Sajen · 22nd May 2020, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drac2k

It certainly wouldn't be unusual for an officer to get a promotion, especially in an environment of conflict.

Yes, this would be certainly an explanation!

Battara · 22nd May 2020, 10:17 PM

.............and mine might be chieftain class, but it doesn't have provenance like yours............

21st May 2020, 03:00 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Mandaya bolo for discussion Hello dear members, It seems that we have Lumad time on the forum! A Mandaya bolo was long on my personal wish list so I've bought this example recently so only the seller pictures for the moment. The scabbard has an inscription on both sides, one says "Bolo, Moro tribe, Mindanao, PI" on the other side I am not able to read the first name, sadly since I think to find out more when I know the the first name from the Major Bennett who seems to has collected this piece when he was positioned on the Philippines, maybe someone from you will be able to decipher his first name. The handle is a little bit unusual when I compare it with other Mandaya bolos I've seen before but guess it's original or at least long together with the blade. But I guess that the chain is a later addition but maybe still from the original owner, what you think? I will post my own pictures soon as I have received it and have been able to give it a little TLC. Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 21st May 2020 at 08:04 PM. Reason: spelling

21st May 2020, 05:13 PM	#4
Marbel Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 66	Mandaya Is it possible that the inscription says Major instead of mayor?

22nd May 2020, 07:12 AM	#9
Marbel Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 66	Mindanao There is record of a Captain Lucius C. Bennett, stationed in Parang, Mindanao with the 31st Infantry (headquartered in Zamboanga) at the turn of the century. Parang is just north of Cotabato City in the present day province of Maguindanao. This is not Mandaya country, but certainly is Moro (as noted on the scabbard).

21st May 2020, 04:13 PM	#2
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	What a fantastic piece; I know you will do it justice when you receive it.

21st May 2020, 04:31 PM	#3
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	I can only agree... A fantastic piece, Detlef! Congratulations!

21st May 2020, 06:15 PM	#6
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Drac2k and Stefan, thank you very much!

21st May 2020, 10:17 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,198	Hi Detlef: I'm glad you got this one! I was watching the auction also. A nice older example with the upturned scabbard. From its appearance and the style of writing I would say this is a pre-WWII piece, perhaps 1900-1920. I believe the Major's first name is Duane, a fairly common U.S. first name. I have searched online for him but no success. Ian.

22nd May 2020, 04:19 AM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	No question: Mandaya through and through. Glad you posted this Detlef - not a lot of Mandaya bolos out there.

22nd May 2020, 04:23 PM	#10
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Ian: Thank you! I hope that I will be able to decipher the first name soon as I have it here in my hands. And yes, I would concur with your age guess. Jose: This was the reason to buy it, they are so seldom seen for selling that I didn't want to let it go. It's not fancy as your one but a honest example with provenance which need to get uncovered. Craig: Thank you very much! The only confusing fact is that it was a Captain and on the scabbard is written Major! I am not very firm with ranks in the US army, is it possible that it is the same person? Regards, Detlef

22nd May 2020, 04:45 PM	#11
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	It certainly wouldn't be unusual for an officer to get a promotion, especially in an environment of conflict.

22nd May 2020, 10:17 PM	#13
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	.............and mine might be chieftain class, but it doesn't have provenance like yours............