Puzzling Filipino (?) bolo

Ian · 5th April 2020, 12:19 AM

I'm having trouble placing where this one may be from. I think it is from the Philippines, and at first sight I thought it may be from Bicol. However, the raised carved area on the front of the scabbard does not have a hole drilled through for a belt. My next thought was Mandayan, from Mindanao just north of Davao City, who have a fat bellied bolo with a scabbard that has an upturned toe, However, the blade does not have the characteristic small lower protrusion near the hilt that is present on their blades.

The blade is V-ground (not chisel ground) and has an unusual brass insert that looks like an axe. There is also an old collection tag on the scabbard that states it is Filipino. Provenance is unknown.

Overall length 19.5 inches
Length of blade 15 inches

Ian

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asomotif · 5th April 2020, 01:39 AM

Hello Ian,

The corrosion / pitting seems to be present in the iron and the brass. Even on the edge of these 2 metals you see the same pitting.
This really strange, Is it brass ? Is it not a layer of old varnish or glue giving the metal a different colour ?

Nice piece btw.

Best regards and stay safe.
Willem

Ian · 5th April 2020, 02:07 AM

Willem,

I see what you mean. This is definitely an insert into the blade as I can feel an edge to it that goes into the blade. The corrosion/oxidation does look a bit odd and I shall give it gentle clean in that area and let you know what I find.

Keep well too,

Ian

Battara · 5th April 2020, 02:41 AM

The scabbard still looks Bicolano to me. Could this be WWII?

The brass could be talismanic.

Ian · 5th April 2020, 02:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

The scabbard still looks Bicolano to me. Could this be WWII?

The brass could be talismanic.

Yes, I think WWII or maybe a little earlier. Talismanic is a possibility. My first thought was the inlay represented an axe, but it could depict a flag. A lot that's not clear about this one.

Edster · 5th April 2020, 03:40 AM

Could the "inlay" be a piece of torn tape varnished over? Looks like a "shadow" on the blade where the removed tape may have been? Or is it just my old eyes?

5th April 2020, 12:19 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,207	Puzzling Filipino (?) bolo I'm having trouble placing where this one may be from. I think it is from the Philippines, and at first sight I thought it may be from Bicol. However, the raised carved area on the front of the scabbard does not have a hole drilled through for a belt. My next thought was Mandayan, from Mindanao just north of Davao City, who have a fat bellied bolo with a scabbard that has an upturned toe, However, the blade does not have the characteristic small lower protrusion near the hilt that is present on their blades. The blade is V-ground (not chisel ground) and has an unusual brass insert that looks like an axe. There is also an old collection tag on the scabbard that states it is Filipino. Provenance is unknown. Overall length 19.5 inches Length of blade 15 inches Ian . Attached Images Last edited by Ian; 5th April 2020 at 01:18 AM.

5th April 2020, 01:39 AM	#2
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,225	Hello Ian, The corrosion / pitting seems to be present in the iron and the brass. Even on the edge of these 2 metals you see the same pitting. This really strange, Is it brass ? Is it not a layer of old varnish or glue giving the metal a different colour ? Nice piece btw. Best regards and stay safe. Willem

5th April 2020, 02:07 AM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,207	Willem, I see what you mean. This is definitely an insert into the blade as I can feel an edge to it that goes into the blade. The corrosion/oxidation does look a bit odd and I shall give it gentle clean in that area and let you know what I find. Keep well too, Ian

5th April 2020, 02:41 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,226	The scabbard still looks Bicolano to me. Could this be WWII? The brass could be talismanic.

5th April 2020, 03:40 AM	#6
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 408	Could the "inlay" be a piece of torn tape varnished over? Looks like a "shadow" on the blade where the removed tape may have been? Or is it just my old eyes?