Billao's

[Rod Charters]

Hi wanted to share my collection of Billao which I am particularly interested in and like to see other members pieces. In an earlier thread there was a question on how Billao was pronounced. Is actually pronounced like "Billah" with the "o" remaining silent.
1. The 1st Billao was collected by my grandfather in Somaliland during WWII. Has what appears to be a horn hilt with brass pommel.
2. The 2nd Billao also collected by my granfather during WWII and has a very unusual brass horn hilt.
3. The 3rd Billao I recently bought on ebay and I think is a very nice Billao with a very thick blade.
4. The 4th Billao I recently purchased in Ethiopia. It is unusually small for a Billao, with the hilt being made from ivory, brass and what appears to be horn rings.
5. The 5th Billao was purchased over the internet. The pommel is missing.
6. The 6th Billao was also purchased on ebay. It has a horn hilt with a brass pommel.
7. The 7th Billao was purchased on ebay has an ivory hilt and silver spike. Quite a nice piece although the silver has a small hole on one side.
8. The 8th Billao pictured I collected in Mogadishu in the mid 90's and is my favourit piece although the picture doesn't do justice as the the dagger is framed. It has a very thick and very well forged blade, with the hilt made of ivory and silver and in excellent condition. I had an almost identical knife which in one of my stupider moments in life I swapped for something inferior and have ever since regretted.

Rod