Batangas nobility bolos
 

Short write-up by Raymundo V. Lucero, Jr.

These swords were called "nobility bolos" in Spanish and American-written historical references. They were made sometime during the Spanish colonial era (estimated mid to late 1800s). They were called "nobility" because they were made of premium materials (for the Philippines context), mainly carabao horn for the hilt, brass for the ferrule and guard, hardened wrought iron for the blade, and brass-accented leather sheath. Considered expensive for their time, these swords were worn by wealthy landowners and high-ranking officers as status weapons.

The sword construction is threaded tang. The blade profiles are called, from top to bottom, "hojas tari" (also known as uhas tari, wastari, ohas tari, oas tari in other PH languages) and an unknown profile possibly known as "dahong palay" in the old Batangas context (there are many "dahong palay" swords profiles across other provinces, across different eras).

The swords were obviously influenced by European sword design, especially with regard to the threaded tang construction, brass guards, and leather sheaths.

Special thanks to my mentors Style Allah and Zel Umali (former forum members) for their unparalleled sword knowledge and generosity.

Hello Xas,

Thank you for posting this! Would my sword also be in this category? I ask because the tang is peened and the guard is made of iron. And I don't think it's from Batangas, correct?

Regards,
Detlef

Hullo Detlef, yes I believe your handsome bolo is also Tagalog nobility class =) I would postulate it to be from Tayabas (Quezon Province in modern time).

Thank you very much Xas! :)

Best regards,
Detlef

Just to indicate the quality of construction of one of Xas' swords, here are a couple of pictures of it disassembled. There are a lot parts, including a small brass washer under the terminal screw, and a terminal brass plate.
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Thanks very much for this Ian! And thank you for passing on that precious artifact to me.:D

:D:cool:

Great info. Maraming Salamat!