Luzon bolo

Ian · 22nd March 2023, 04:55 AM

Hi Jeff,

Very nice knife. We need our friend Xasterix to help with a definitive ID on this one. Xas has been studying Luzon swords closely for a while and has the advantage of being able to speak with local informants, which has greatly enhanced our knowledge of these blades.

While waiting for him to reply, I'll give this one a shot. Judging from the black leather sheath with a brass chape and collar, I think this one comes from Ilocos Sur or perhaps Pangasinan. This indicates it would be Ilokano in manufacture. That fits with the brass guard and brass ferrules on the horn hilt. I don't know the Ilokano term for the blade style. It's a fairly common pattern and found among various groups in Luzon, with names varying by group.

Tagalog knives of similar form are also found, but I'm suggesting an Ilokano origin based mainly on the sheath. The heavy brass fittings suggest to me that it was likely made pre-WWII.

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22nd March 2023, 04:55 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,418	Hi Jeff, Very nice knife. We need our friend Xasterix to help with a definitive ID on this one. Xas has been studying Luzon swords closely for a while and has the advantage of being able to speak with local informants, which has greatly enhanced our knowledge of these blades. While waiting for him to reply, I'll give this one a shot. Judging from the black leather sheath with a brass chape and collar, I think this one comes from Ilocos Sur or perhaps Pangasinan. This indicates it would be Ilokano in manufacture. That fits with the brass guard and brass ferrules on the horn hilt. I don't know the Ilokano term for the blade style. It's a fairly common pattern and found among various groups in Luzon, with names varying by group. Tagalog knives of similar form are also found, but I'm suggesting an Ilokano origin based mainly on the sheath. The heavy brass fittings suggest to me that it was likely made pre-WWII.