WW2 era Philippine bolo/machete

AHite · 20th January 2023, 02:52 PM

I just bought this piece. The tag on it said, "WWII Philippine Bring Back". It could well be from the Philippines, but would like opinions from forum members. The blade is hand forged, possibly from a leaf spring. The back edge of the blade measures 6mm on average, plus or minus a bit. It tapers drastically to a bevel edge, and is blunt at the end of the blade. Blade measures 57cm in length, and is 4cm at the widest point. In the middle, the initials P. A. are punched into the blade.

The handle looks like it might have been machine made, seeing as how the rings are all equally spaced. It makes me wonder if the blade is much older than the handle. Long tang goes through the handle to be retained by a washer with the tang end peened.

I really don't know if this is a bolo or machete by definition, but definitely a chopping blade. Thoughts?

20th January 2023, 02:52 PM	#1
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 45	WW2 era Philippine bolo/machete I just bought this piece. The tag on it said, "WWII Philippine Bring Back". It could well be from the Philippines, but would like opinions from forum members. The blade is hand forged, possibly from a leaf spring. The back edge of the blade measures 6mm on average, plus or minus a bit. It tapers drastically to a bevel edge, and is blunt at the end of the blade. Blade measures 57cm in length, and is 4cm at the widest point. In the middle, the initials P. A. are punched into the blade. The handle looks like it might have been machine made, seeing as how the rings are all equally spaced. It makes me wonder if the blade is much older than the handle. Long tang goes through the handle to be retained by a washer with the tang end peened. I really don't know if this is a bolo or machete by definition, but definitely a chopping blade. Thoughts? Attached Images