Help in identification #1

Robert · 28th August 2012, 04:51 AM

Hello Dave, and welcome to the forum. That is one very nice bolo/palang you have there. Because of the blade profile I do believe that this is from Pampanga "a province of central Luzon" and chances are it could date to the late 19th to early 20th century. The carving of the ladies bust on the carabao hilt is some of the nicest that I have seen. The empty socket could be for a anting anting "amulet, talisman, or charm". As for the scabbard, it is of the correct style for this bolo and it could be just in very good shape for its age or it could also be a replacement if the original was lost or destroyed. I wish I could tell you of a good book on these weapons but I can't. As for a web site for information, you are there now. My congratulations to you on your new acquisition, a very nice item that I would loved to have added to my own collection.

Regards,
Robert

28th August 2012, 04:51 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Dave, and welcome to the forum. That is one very nice bolo/palang you have there. Because of the blade profile I do believe that this is from Pampanga "a province of central Luzon" and chances are it could date to the late 19th to early 20th century. The carving of the ladies bust on the carabao hilt is some of the nicest that I have seen. The empty socket could be for a anting anting "amulet, talisman, or charm". As for the scabbard, it is of the correct style for this bolo and it could be just in very good shape for its age or it could also be a replacement if the original was lost or destroyed. I wish I could tell you of a good book on these weapons but I can't. As for a web site for information, you are there now. My congratulations to you on your new acquisition, a very nice item that I would loved to have added to my own collection. Regards, Robert