New Bolo

Robert · 23rd November 2010, 12:42 AM

Well, This has finally arrived. I was really starting to worried that it had gotten lost in the mail. A late 19th to early 20th century Philippine bolo with a nicely carved carabao grip in the shape of a clenched fist. The finely carved but damaged scabbard is made of a dark wood with wire bands (most of which are replacements) holding the two sides together. I cannot make out the writing carved around the hilt but it looks like SON?-APALIT?-PAMP?-CASTRO Any help with filling in what the missing worn letters might be and the meaning would be greatly appreciated. Measurements below.

Total Length = 25 inches
Blade Length = 18 inches
Blade At Thickest = 5/16 inch
Hilt Length = 7 inches

I am going to try to upload the pictures one at a time so that they might stay in order so please be patient as this might take a while. I will also be adding pictures of the scabbard.

Robert

Robert · 23rd November 2010, 01:00 AM

Here are a few pictures of the scabbard. All comments are welcome.

Robert

Rick · 23rd November 2010, 01:45 AM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pampanga#History

Battara · 23rd November 2010, 03:18 AM

Well, by blade alone I would steer away from Pampangan. However, the fist and carving look good, so I might hesitantly say pre-1900. The hilt is made of worn horn (hey that rhymes

) and the scabbard is made of narra wood. Unique piece. Where do you keep coming up with this stuff?

nacho · 23rd November 2010, 05:27 AM

I think the scabbard is made of Balayong wood. Its deep purple color is highly prized for making furnitures. The wood is no longer available. High end furnitures made of Balayong wood were made in Pampanga up to the very early 1900s.

Battara · 23rd November 2010, 10:22 PM

Balayang wood - not familiar with it. I was basing my thoughts on the red coloration. Interesting.........

23rd November 2010, 12:42 AM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	New Bolo Well, This has finally arrived. I was really starting to worried that it had gotten lost in the mail. A late 19th to early 20th century Philippine bolo with a nicely carved carabao grip in the shape of a clenched fist. The finely carved but damaged scabbard is made of a dark wood with wire bands (most of which are replacements) holding the two sides together. I cannot make out the writing carved around the hilt but it looks like SON?-APALIT?-PAMP?-CASTRO Any help with filling in what the missing worn letters might be and the meaning would be greatly appreciated. Measurements below. Total Length = 25 inches Blade Length = 18 inches Blade At Thickest = 5/16 inch Hilt Length = 7 inches I am going to try to upload the pictures one at a time so that they might stay in order so please be patient as this might take a while. I will also be adding pictures of the scabbard. Robert Attached Images Last edited by Robert Coleman; 23rd November 2010 at 01:04 AM.

23rd November 2010, 01:00 AM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Here are a few pictures of the scabbard. All comments are welcome. Robert Attached Images

23rd November 2010, 01:45 AM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,262	Pampangas ?? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pampanga#History

23rd November 2010, 03:18 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Well, by blade alone I would steer away from Pampangan. However, the fist and carving look good, so I might hesitantly say pre-1900. The hilt is made of worn horn (hey that rhymes ) and the scabbard is made of narra wood. Unique piece. Where do you keep coming up with this stuff?

23rd November 2010, 05:27 AM	#5
nacho Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Makati Posts: 69	I think the scabbard is made of Balayong wood. Its deep purple color is highly prized for making furnitures. The wood is no longer available. High end furnitures made of Balayong wood were made in Pampanga up to the very early 1900s.

23rd November 2010, 10:22 PM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,139	Balayang wood - not familiar with it. I was basing my thoughts on the red coloration. Interesting.........