Philippines? bolo for ID/comment/reference

wildwolberine · 14th July 2023, 04:09 AM

Added this utilitarian bolo to the collection. Would like to know what region it may be from & possibly how old it is? My impression is Luzon, early-mid 20th century.

Very thick blade, brass ferrule, hidden tang construction. Tang does not extend through hilt. It looks like it has a convex grind. Hilt is dark, dense hardwood, maybe narra or kamagong? The hilt feels smallish for the weight of the blade.

Really well made, balanced work knife. Looks like it could be the picture next to “bolo” in the dictionary. Unfortunately no sheath or scabbard.

Any input would be appreciated, and please post links to threads with similar bolos!

OAL: 50 cm
Blade length: 35 cm
Blade width: 4 cm/widest point
Spine: 1 cm at hilt

I increased the brightness on the last picture.

Sajen · 14th July 2023, 11:36 AM

Agree with you that it is from Luzon, but it will be difficult to pinpoint down the exact origin IMHO. Blade shape is reminiscent of Bicol blades.

See for example this Minasbad from my collection.

Regards,
Detlef

wildwolberine · 15th July 2023, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sajen

Agree with you that it is from Luzon, but it will be difficult to pinpoint down the exact origin IMHO. Blade shape is reminiscent of Bicol blades.

See for example this Minasbad from my collection.

Regards,
Detlef

Thanks Detlef! I hope another forumite posts a similar blade.

chmorshuutz · 16th July 2023, 08:19 AM

Agree, it appears to be a minasbad. But I'm not sure if it's from Camarines Sur. The hilt looks similar to what I've seen from Albay, or probably another Bicol province.

14th July 2023, 04:09 AM	#1
wildwolberine Member Join Date: May 2023 Location: San Antonio Posts: 110	Philippines? bolo for ID/comment/reference Added this utilitarian bolo to the collection. Would like to know what region it may be from & possibly how old it is? My impression is Luzon, early-mid 20th century. Very thick blade, brass ferrule, hidden tang construction. Tang does not extend through hilt. It looks like it has a convex grind. Hilt is dark, dense hardwood, maybe narra or kamagong? The hilt feels smallish for the weight of the blade. Really well made, balanced work knife. Looks like it could be the picture next to “bolo” in the dictionary. Unfortunately no sheath or scabbard. Any input would be appreciated, and please post links to threads with similar bolos! OAL: 50 cm Blade length: 35 cm Blade width: 4 cm/widest point Spine: 1 cm at hilt I increased the brightness on the last picture. Attached Images

14th July 2023, 11:36 AM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,786	Agree with you that it is from Luzon, but it will be difficult to pinpoint down the exact origin IMHO. Blade shape is reminiscent of Bicol blades. See for example this Minasbad from my collection. Regards, Detlef Attached Images Last edited by Sajen; 14th July 2023 at 02:26 PM.

16th July 2023, 08:19 AM	#4
chmorshuutz Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Posts: 54	Agree, it appears to be a minasbad. But I'm not sure if it's from Camarines Sur. The hilt looks similar to what I've seen from Albay, or probably another Bicol province.