Philippines? bolo for ID/comment/reference

[wildwolberine]

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]

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. :shrug:
See for example this Minasbad from my collection.

Regards,
Detlef

[wildwolberine]

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. :shrug:
See for example this Minasbad from my collection.

Regards,
Detlef

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

[chmorshuutz]

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.