Old Bolo

Robert · 9th January 2006, 11:46 PM

Greetings,
Here is another old bolo for comments. Katipunan? I would say its age is late 19th century. The hilt on this seems quite long, possibly for two handed use? The blade is bevel ground on the right side. At some point in time the spine has been used for hitting something very hard or it has been hit by something very hard repeatedly. The damage makes it looks like it had been used for breaking up rocks. I will post pictures of the damage to the spine as soon as the light outside permits.

Blade length 13-5/8 inches.
Width at widest point 2 inches.
Thickness at hilt 7/16 inch.
Hilt length 6-5/16 inches.
Grip is horn.
Fittings are iron / steel

Rick · 10th January 2006, 12:48 AM

I'd say Luzon ; revolutionary soldier's bolo .
Doubtfully Katipunan .

Probably used for splitting campfire wood ; likely used as a froe (or for butchering) with a heavier metal object (or rock) used to hit against the spine .
I have had an example with these same kinds of abuse marks on the spine .
See center example below .

Robert · 10th January 2006, 01:03 AM

Rick,
Thank you for the information and the pictures. Is the overly long hilt on this normal? It is quite a bit longer than the hilts on others that I have.

Rober

Rick · 10th January 2006, 01:11 AM

Could be made for an individual with large hands .
The hilt length doesn't seem quite long enough for two handed use considering the blade length .
These knives were usually all purpose camp and fighting tools ; probably mostly for camp use (slaughtering food , fire wood etc.)
My former example shares approximately the same dimensions as your example ; check the tape .

9th January 2006, 11:46 PM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Old Bolo Greetings, Here is another old bolo for comments. Katipunan? I would say its age is late 19th century. The hilt on this seems quite long, possibly for two handed use? The blade is bevel ground on the right side. At some point in time the spine has been used for hitting something very hard or it has been hit by something very hard repeatedly. The damage makes it looks like it had been used for breaking up rocks. I will post pictures of the damage to the spine as soon as the light outside permits. Blade length 13-5/8 inches. Width at widest point 2 inches. Thickness at hilt 7/16 inch. Hilt length 6-5/16 inches. Grip is horn. Fittings are iron / steel Attached Images Last edited by Robert Coleman; 10th January 2006 at 12:49 AM.

10th January 2006, 12:48 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	I'd say Luzon ; revolutionary soldier's bolo . Doubtfully Katipunan . Probably used for splitting campfire wood ; likely used as a froe (or for butchering) with a heavier metal object (or rock) used to hit against the spine . I have had an example with these same kinds of abuse marks on the spine . See center example below . Attached Images

10th January 2006, 01:03 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Rick, Thank you for the information and the pictures. Is the overly long hilt on this normal? It is quite a bit longer than the hilts on others that I have. Rober

10th January 2006, 01:11 AM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Could be made for an individual with large hands . The hilt length doesn't seem quite long enough for two handed use considering the blade length . These knives were usually all purpose camp and fighting tools ; probably mostly for camp use (slaughtering food , fire wood etc.) My former example shares approximately the same dimensions as your example ; check the tape .