Small Philippine Knife

[Ron Anderson]

In my expert opinion, it's a knife with a nice carved handle and a funny shaped blade.

It would go very nicely in my own collection.

[migueldiaz]

Robert, congrats for another great piece to your Luzon collection!

This is the first time I've also seen such blade shape. I drew a line along the top of the blade (pic attached). My speculation thus is that the indentation on the blade's spine is a latter addition by way of a subtraction

As to why one would do that, I can only continue to speculate.

In any case, it's a great blade. And its unique shape only adds mystique to it.

PS - If I were you, I'd just invent a story -- said Katipunan bolo was dented by a bullet during a bolo rush, and so the owner being a vain person carved out the damaged portion, and was pleasantly surprised when a sinister-looking blade came out. What would be your version?

[Robert]

Hello Migueldiaz, Sorry that it has taken me so long to reply to your comments.
The blade could very well have been altered from its original shape as you have pointed out. I just hope that when it arrives that there is some form of evidence (poorer finish to the blade surface in that area) that could show whether it was tampered with or not. My main concern is what time period to assign this knife to. Is it late 1890s to early 1900s or mid 1900s? I have seen this style of grip used on early and late pieces but all of the later ones did not have quality of carving that this one has and most were fitted with aluminum hardware. As far as a good story for this being the shape it is, I really cannot improve on the one that you have already posted. I hope you don't mind if I use it.

Robert

[Battara]

An interesting piece. Too bad it is missing the rest of the brass fittings.....

[Robert]

Yes Jose, it is a shame that there are so many pieces of brass missing from the hilt. I am hoping to replace them after it arrives to help restore its appearance.


Robert

[migueldiaz]

Hi Robert. Sure you can use my version

Please let us know later how the indentation's surface looks like vs. the rest of the spine.

On dating, it's a bit tricky as we all know. My guess is that your bolo is 1890s to early 1900s. And it's because I have at least two of such fist bolos, and I'm almost sure that they were made during WW2 or just a little earlier before that era. Now your piece definitely looks older and better than said pieces of mine. Thus my said guess. Hope that others can give their opinion, too.

[Robert]

Migueldiaz, Thank you very much. As you mentioned, dating these can be VERY tricky. Every time I think I've made some progress in doing it something like this shows up. It would probably help if I would just wait for an item to actually get to my door before posting then I might have a better idea. Hopefully I will be able to take a few better pictures of the spine and the area in discussion once it arrives. Below is one other that I have acquired that I will post in a separate thread as soon as it arrives. Thanks again for you help.

Robert