Estimating age on an itak

Sajen · 24th July 2012, 04:45 PM

Nice Itak bolo. Agree in all parts with Barry.

Regards,

Detlef

Robert · 24th July 2012, 06:57 PM

Hello Blindside, This is a very nice bolo that you have acquired. It is a shame that the scabbard has suffered so much damage over the years. I totally agree with Barry with the dating and all of the other observations he made about this piece. As for the guard I would say that it is more than likely made of white brass though there is a slight possibility that it might be nickel. Though this is not as you pointed out a "high end piece" it is by no means at the bottom of the scale either. If you find it hard to look at you can send it to me where it will be proudly displayed with many of its brothers.

All in all this is a very nice bolo and would be a fine addition to anyones collection. Thank you for sharing this with the forum.

Robert

blindside · 24th July 2012, 07:09 PM

The "white brass" suggestions makes alot of sense, the guard is a bit loose, and moving it the weight feels less than what I would expect nickel to feel like. And Robert, I wouldn't want to send this on to you, in my collection it is a big fish in a little pond, I wouldn't want to have its ego damaged joining yours.

Is the spiral design and inset chain on the hilt indicative of a particular period of bolo construction?

Nirghosa · 25th July 2012, 12:23 AM

Ah, Craigslist. Many a good find purchased from less knowledgeable sellers.
Notably I got a very old Pira for a reasonable price and a kampilan listed as a "madagascar sword for cutting coconuts". Great story that one, came from a castle wall in southern Europe as WWII spoils with a French sword.

24th July 2012, 04:45 PM	#1
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,212	Nice Itak bolo. Agree in all parts with Barry. Regards, Detlef

24th July 2012, 06:57 PM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Blindside, This is a very nice bolo that you have acquired. It is a shame that the scabbard has suffered so much damage over the years. I totally agree with Barry with the dating and all of the other observations he made about this piece. As for the guard I would say that it is more than likely made of white brass though there is a slight possibility that it might be nickel. Though this is not as you pointed out a "high end piece" it is by no means at the bottom of the scale either. If you find it hard to look at you can send it to me where it will be proudly displayed with many of its brothers. All in all this is a very nice bolo and would be a fine addition to anyones collection. Thank you for sharing this with the forum. Robert

24th July 2012, 07:09 PM	#3
blindside Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Kennewick, WA Posts: 33	The "white brass" suggestions makes alot of sense, the guard is a bit loose, and moving it the weight feels less than what I would expect nickel to feel like. And Robert, I wouldn't want to send this on to you, in my collection it is a big fish in a little pond, I wouldn't want to have its ego damaged joining yours. Is the spiral design and inset chain on the hilt indicative of a particular period of bolo construction?

25th July 2012, 12:23 AM	#4
Nirghosa Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 119	Ah, Craigslist. Many a good find purchased from less knowledgeable sellers. Notably I got a very old Pira for a reasonable price and a kampilan listed as a "madagascar sword for cutting coconuts". Great story that one, came from a castle wall in southern Europe as WWII spoils with a French sword.