Luzon bolo with albino horn handle for comment
 

Just bought this Luzon bolo with albino horn handle, sadly no scabbard. I have a tabak with similar handle in black horn. All comments regarding age and exact origin are very welcome. Is someone also able to give it a name? Bonifacio bolo?

Detlef

Very nice Detlef. These are mostly from Ilocos Sur as far as I can determine.

Ian.

Hello Detlef, I believe that this bolo would be called a "sinan-kapitan" and is Ilocano in origin. As for age, seeing that the ferrule looks to be seamed and not made from a piece of brass tubing or pipe I would think that it is an older piece from the early 1900's. These are just my personal opinions on this piece and I too would like to see what others have to say about it. I really like the albino carabao horn used for the hilt on this as it is much rarer than the darker horn more commonly seen on other pieces. My congratulations to you on yet another fine addition to your collection.

Best,
Robert

Thank you both for comment! :) So there seems to be agreement that this bolo coming from Ilocos, precise from Ilocos sur. Thank you Robert for giving it a name, do you have a translation for "sinan-kapitan"? And it seems that we have an agreement about the age since I also have thought that it is pre 1900. Will take pictures from my tabak with similar handle for comparison.

Regards,
Detlef

Congratulations Detlef! I almost thought about bidding this myself (I like albino horn). I agree with what the others said.

Thank you Jose! :) Since I can't win the kris I've shown you was this the second piece on my wish list. :D Great compliment from you, I know your exquisite taste. :)

Regards,
Detlef

Here are the pictures from my tabak with similar handle.
I think that the tabak is also from Ilocos sur, correct? And another question regarding the name "sinan-kapitan", I found the source for this name: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=sinan-kapitan It seems that this name is given due to the handle style. The blade style seems to be an other thing, correct?

Detlef:

Yes and yes as far as I know.

Ian.

Thank you Ian! :)

I never have shown this small bolo with cleaned blade. Sadly is the nose missing partly.

Hi Detlef:

This is also a nice example of an Ilokano knife, probably early to mid-20th C.

Ian.

Hi Ian,

thank you for comment and confirming the Ilokano origin, it's the same one as shown in post #1 but now with cleaned blade, just want to show how it look now. ;) It has received also a mild etch and show now a hardened edge.

Best regards,
Detlef