Unusual hilt on Filipino Bolo

Ian · 19th March 2023, 05:39 AM

Hello Protector,

Very nice sword and sheath that you have. Both are in excellent condition, especially the sheath which is unusually well preserved. These were probably made in the second half of the 20th C, maybe 30-50 years old.

This is definitely a Filipino sword from northern or central Luzon. I think it is most likely Ilokano in manufacture, probably from Ilocos Sur judging from the black sheath with its belt loop. The brass guard and brass fittings to the hilt are consistent with Ilokano manufacture. The "double-clipped" blade profile (look at the spine and you will see a central "dip," and then a more pronounced clip to the distal spine) is also consistent with Ilokano work.

Similar swords with the same blade profile and with brass ferrules are made a little to the south in Pampangas, but Kapangan sheaths are different from yours.

Those are my thoughts, but a definitive answer can be provided by xasterix who has studied Luzon swords extensively, and talked with local experts and panday.

Battara · 19th March 2023, 07:06 AM

I agree with Ian totally. Xasterix informed me that some Ilokanos have moved into Pampangan territory in the past century.

Protector · 19th March 2023, 07:29 PM

Gentleman, thanks for the info. All the knowledge here is greatly appreciated.

19th March 2023, 05:39 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,522	Hello Protector, Very nice sword and sheath that you have. Both are in excellent condition, especially the sheath which is unusually well preserved. These were probably made in the second half of the 20th C, maybe 30-50 years old. This is definitely a Filipino sword from northern or central Luzon. I think it is most likely Ilokano in manufacture, probably from Ilocos Sur judging from the black sheath with its belt loop. The brass guard and brass fittings to the hilt are consistent with Ilokano manufacture. The "double-clipped" blade profile (look at the spine and you will see a central "dip," and then a more pronounced clip to the distal spine) is also consistent with Ilokano work. Similar swords with the same blade profile and with brass ferrules are made a little to the south in Pampangas, but Kapangan sheaths are different from yours. Those are my thoughts, but a definitive answer can be provided by xasterix who has studied Luzon swords extensively, and talked with local experts and panday. Last edited by Ian; 19th March 2023 at 09:30 PM.

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19th March 2023, 07:06 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,345	I agree with Ian totally. Xasterix informed me that some Ilokanos have moved into Pampangan territory in the past century.

19th March 2023, 07:29 PM	#3
Protector Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Friday Harbor, Wa. Posts: 26	Gentleman, thanks for the info. All the knowledge here is greatly appreciated.