Super chunky utilitarian Luzon bolo?

[wildwolberine]

Wanted to share this new acquisition. Large, heavy blade with a very thick spine about .75 cm at base. Substantial carabao hilt with a bump towards the pommel. Tang extends through the hilt & is peined over a steel plate. Thick steel ferrule. Simple wood scabbard with a belt hook. (You can barely see the projection in the last photo)

I suspect southern Luzon origin? The wood scabbard and large handle seem unusual. Probably the heaviest piece in my collection right now.

These are before-cleaning pics. Will clean the blade with WD-40 and 0000 steel wool and treat the horn with Hooflex.

Age probably midcentury? Thanks!

Dimensions: 56 cm overall length, 38 cm by 5 cm blade.

[Ian]

Hi WW,

A nice heavy general purpose bolo. I suspect this one is from Central Luzon. A picture of the other face of the scabbard might give more clues about its origin. There appears to be a quench-hardened edge. Again, a light etch might show this feature more clearly.

Heavy blades like this one were often used to split coconuts, chop wood, etc.

[wildwolberine]

A picture of the other face of the scabbard might give more clues about its origin.

Thanks Ian! Here’s a photo of the other face of the scabbard. Yes, I’ll etch it at some point to reveal any edge hardening.

[Ian]

Thanks WW.

The shape of the belt hook is distinctive and similar to some leather scabbards. My memory fails me as to the location associated with that shape (I think Ilokano), but xasterix will likely know.

Ian