Three new ones from Luzon

Rafngard · 29th November 2016, 02:14 AM

Hello All,

This time of year in Minnesota, good photo days are hard to come by, so when a bug to take some photos and post some of my newer toys came, I just did it, even if it was dark outside. So apologies in advance for the less than ideal photos. These have had only a light cleaning, and I only took a few pics. Hopefully better ones will be forthcoming in the future. All were purchased for slightly more than a song.

The first is a really long (31 1/2 inches) bolo from Apalit (mark is incomplete, but in comparison to others, it seems to be pretty clearly Apalit). Carabao horn hilt, brass fittings. Leather scabbard that's seen better days. I'm not quite sure if the tip was originally rounded, but the round edge is sharp. It's extreme length makes me wonder if it was made for a specific purpose?

The second a much more manageable 22 3/4 inches, with a horn handle and brass fittings.. I think this would be called a ginunting (scissors-like)? I'm really happy about how complete this one is, with the original scabbard and belt, though the tip is hanging on for dear life. The blade has clearly seen use. I've tried scrubbing it but the dark suffice is remarkably persistent. I'm wondering if perhaps it was original? The blade is without marking, but the scabbard has what appears to say "MMapalao Lucban" on it. I suspect the first part is the makers name (M. Mapalao?) and the second refers to Lucban in the province of Quezon.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucban

The third, and much more recent bolo is also from Apalit, with a clear stamp on the blade. The handle and scabbard are wood and the fittings are aluminum. It feels nice in the hand, though honestly, were it not for the Apalit marked blade I would not have purchased. Seller says it's a WWII bring back, I thought it may be a bit more recent. Though perhaps the blade is older than the rest of it.

About Apalit:
This thread has more on Apalit
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18769t

As does this one.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12914

Also, this threat has my other Apalit bolo.
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21708

I'm extremely unsure as to how old these (especially the first two) so I'd love to hear any thoughts on the subject.

As always, any thoughts, comment, and/or corrections are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Leif

29th November 2016, 02:14 AM	#1
Rafngard Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Minneapolis,MN Posts: 326	Three new ones from Luzon Hello All, This time of year in Minnesota, good photo days are hard to come by, so when a bug to take some photos and post some of my newer toys came, I just did it, even if it was dark outside. So apologies in advance for the less than ideal photos. These have had only a light cleaning, and I only took a few pics. Hopefully better ones will be forthcoming in the future. All were purchased for slightly more than a song. The first is a really long (31 1/2 inches) bolo from Apalit (mark is incomplete, but in comparison to others, it seems to be pretty clearly Apalit). Carabao horn hilt, brass fittings. Leather scabbard that's seen better days. I'm not quite sure if the tip was originally rounded, but the round edge is sharp. It's extreme length makes me wonder if it was made for a specific purpose? The second a much more manageable 22 3/4 inches, with a horn handle and brass fittings.. I think this would be called a ginunting (scissors-like)? I'm really happy about how complete this one is, with the original scabbard and belt, though the tip is hanging on for dear life. The blade has clearly seen use. I've tried scrubbing it but the dark suffice is remarkably persistent. I'm wondering if perhaps it was original? The blade is without marking, but the scabbard has what appears to say "MMapalao Lucban" on it. I suspect the first part is the makers name (M. Mapalao?) and the second refers to Lucban in the province of Quezon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucban The third, and much more recent bolo is also from Apalit, with a clear stamp on the blade. The handle and scabbard are wood and the fittings are aluminum. It feels nice in the hand, though honestly, were it not for the Apalit marked blade I would not have purchased. Seller says it's a WWII bring back, I thought it may be a bit more recent. Though perhaps the blade is older than the rest of it. About Apalit: This thread has more on Apalit http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18769t As does this one. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12914 Also, this threat has my other Apalit bolo. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=21708 I'm extremely unsure as to how old these (especially the first two) so I'd love to hear any thoughts on the subject. As always, any thoughts, comment, and/or corrections are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Leif Attached Images