Humbly asking for some wisdom on this bolo beauty

Aleksey G. · 26th June 2020, 05:14 AM

Hey guys, hope everyone is well.

Wanted to share and humbly ask for wisdom on this bolo. One of the more quality hilt examples ive ever seen in this form of a blade. What approximate age or particular region? Blade is 19", overall 25". No sheath found with.
MET has an example with a similar and even more elaborate hilt decoration:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27841

Thank you, Alex

David R · 26th June 2020, 10:30 AM

Thats a very nice looking piece indeed. What struck me though was the similarity of some of the mounting and decoration to a 19thC Scottish dress dirk. The carved basketwork of the black wood, and the crown form of the butt cap.
Probably pure coincidenc, but still interesting!

Battara · 26th June 2020, 11:14 PM

This is fro the island of Luzon in the Philippines, perhaps Ilokano tribe or even Tagalog(?). It is from the mid-late 19th century and for someone of higher status, as evidenced by the silver work and the carving.

Truly a great example.

Gavin Nugent · 26th June 2020, 11:47 PM

Alex,

That is a super nice example.

I've attached two below to show the wonderful variances found in the type and also display one of the sheath types in tooled leather that can also sometimes be found.

Gavin

ariel · 27th June 2020, 02:46 AM

I see KKK on the handle, Katipunan, established in 1892. Thus, the bolo can be dated to the end of 19th century at the latest.

Aleksey G. · 13th July 2020, 07:20 PM

Thank you guys for all the help, i really appreciate it

26th June 2020, 05:14 AM	#1
Aleksey G. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 70	Humbly asking for some wisdom on this bolo beauty Hey guys, hope everyone is well. Wanted to share and humbly ask for wisdom on this bolo. One of the more quality hilt examples ive ever seen in this form of a blade. What approximate age or particular region? Blade is 19", overall 25". No sheath found with. MET has an example with a similar and even more elaborate hilt decoration: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/27841 Thank you, Alex Attached Images

26th June 2020, 11:47 PM	#4
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	Alex, That is a super nice example. I've attached two below to show the wonderful variances found in the type and also display one of the sheath types in tooled leather that can also sometimes be found. Gavin Attached Images

27th June 2020, 02:46 AM	#5
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	I see KKK on the handle, Katipunan, established in 1892. Thus, the bolo can be dated to the end of 19th century at the latest. Last edited by ariel; 27th June 2020 at 02:06 PM.

26th June 2020, 10:30 AM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	Thats a very nice looking piece indeed. What struck me though was the similarity of some of the mounting and decoration to a 19thC Scottish dress dirk. The carved basketwork of the black wood, and the crown form of the butt cap. Probably pure coincidenc, but still interesting!

26th June 2020, 11:14 PM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	This is fro the island of Luzon in the Philippines, perhaps Ilokano tribe or even Tagalog(?). It is from the mid-late 19th century and for someone of higher status, as evidenced by the silver work and the carving. Truly a great example.

13th July 2020, 07:20 PM	#6
Aleksey G. Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 70	Thank you guys for all the help, i really appreciate it