Old Bonafacio Bolo

Battara · 26th May 2016, 04:40 AM

Greetings,

I thought I would share a somewhat recent acquisition. This is now called a Bonafacio bolo. I would place this from the late 19th century. The hilt is made of carved albino horn with silver nails, silver mounts, and a silver cross guard. This is also a Tagalog piece, with the tang going through the hilt with a silver "leafed" screw.

The blade is of a special design with a clipped tip and a half false edge on one side. Some lamination, but not enough to really etch. This type of blade was favored by Andreas Bonafacio, who started the Katipunan revolution in the late 19th century, and thus is now called the "Bonafacio style"

Finally the leather scabbard is in almost perfect shape, tooled, and with a silver bottom chape.

Enjoy.

Battara · 26th May 2016, 04:41 AM

Additional pics:

Shakethetrees · 26th May 2016, 05:53 AM

Battara, beautiful piece!

Sajen · 26th May 2016, 10:48 AM

Hello Jose,

what a great looking Bonafacio bolo. I am green with envy!

Great to have the leather scabbard in such a good condition.

Best regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 26th May 2016, 01:13 PM

That is a great looking blade...........thanks, now I've got to put another item on my "bucket list !"

VANDOO · 26th May 2016, 03:51 PM

CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS FOR SHOWING THIS EXCELLENT EXAMPLE.

THE WORKMANSHIP IS NOT TOO FANCY AND LOOKS LIKE A KNIFE MADE FOR POSSIBLE USE NOT JUST FOR SHOW. THE WORK ON THE HORN GRIPS IS EXCEPTIONAL PERHAPS A CUSTOM KNIFE MADE TO ORDER OR THE MAKER WAS JUST SHOWING OFF HIS SKILL. THE HISTORY OF THE DESIGN IS ALSO INTERESTING DID THIS PHILIPPINE LEADER GIVE PRESENTATION ITEMS TO HIS GENERALS AND SUCH?

26th May 2016, 04:40 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Old Bonafacio Bolo Greetings, I thought I would share a somewhat recent acquisition. This is now called a Bonafacio bolo. I would place this from the late 19th century. The hilt is made of carved albino horn with silver nails, silver mounts, and a silver cross guard. This is also a Tagalog piece, with the tang going through the hilt with a silver "leafed" screw. The blade is of a special design with a clipped tip and a half false edge on one side. Some lamination, but not enough to really etch. This type of blade was favored by Andreas Bonafacio, who started the Katipunan revolution in the late 19th century, and thus is now called the "Bonafacio style" Finally the leather scabbard is in almost perfect shape, tooled, and with a silver bottom chape. Enjoy. Attached Images

26th May 2016, 04:41 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Additional pics: Attached Images

26th May 2016, 05:53 AM	#3
Shakethetrees Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Louisiana Posts: 363	Battara, beautiful piece!

26th May 2016, 10:48 AM	#4
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,781	Hello Jose, what a great looking Bonafacio bolo. I am green with envy! Great to have the leather scabbard in such a good condition. Best regards, Detlef

26th May 2016, 01:13 PM	#5
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,230	That is a great looking blade...........thanks, now I've got to put another item on my "bucket list !"

26th May 2016, 03:51 PM	#6
VANDOO (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: OKLAHOMA, USA Posts: 3,138	CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS FOR SHOWING THIS EXCELLENT EXAMPLE. THE WORKMANSHIP IS NOT TOO FANCY AND LOOKS LIKE A KNIFE MADE FOR POSSIBLE USE NOT JUST FOR SHOW. THE WORK ON THE HORN GRIPS IS EXCEPTIONAL PERHAPS A CUSTOM KNIFE MADE TO ORDER OR THE MAKER WAS JUST SHOWING OFF HIS SKILL. THE HISTORY OF THE DESIGN IS ALSO INTERESTING DID THIS PHILIPPINE LEADER GIVE PRESENTATION ITEMS TO HIS GENERALS AND SUCH?