Puzzling Filipino (?) bolo

Battara · 5th April 2020, 01:41 AM

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

The brass could be talismanic.

Ian · 5th April 2020, 01:53 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, 02:40 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?

Ian · 5th April 2020, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edster

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?

Ed,

You may be right. When I run a finger over the area it is slightly raised and smooth. Scratching the surface with a finger nail does not remove anything, but the blade appears to have been finished with a hard wax, probably silicone-based, which has hardened the surface and may be obscuring what is happening underneath.

Ian

Sajen · 5th April 2020, 09:36 AM

Agree, the scabbard look very Bicolano.

Intersting piece Ian!

Regards,
Detlef

CharlesS · 5th April 2020, 01:04 PM

Very interesting Ian. I am not sure I've seen a brass insert, aside from wire inlay, on a Filipino blade before.

Sajen · 5th April 2020, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

I am not sure I've seen a brass insert, aside from wire inlay, on a Filipino blade before.

Hello Charles,

You forget examples like this: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=bolo

Regards,
Detlef

5th April 2020, 01:41 AM	#1
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	The scabbard still looks Bicolano to me. Could this be WWII? The brass could be talismanic.

5th April 2020, 02:40 AM	#3
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 415	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, 09:36 AM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,207	Agree, the scabbard look very Bicolano. Intersting piece Ian! Regards, Detlef

5th April 2020, 01:04 PM	#6
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	Very interesting Ian. I am not sure I've seen a brass insert, aside from wire inlay, on a Filipino blade before.