Old Bonafacio Bolo

carlos · 26th May 2016, 08:25 PM

What a beautiful bolo !!! The hilt is fantastic!
A very good piece to your collection
Thanks for sharing
Carlos

Ian · 27th May 2016, 12:38 AM

Jose:

Another excellent Tagalog piece and a wonderful example of the Bonifacio style. These don't come along very often and this one is a really nice specimen with a well preserved leather sheath. Congrats on such a nice find.

Ian.

Robert · 27th May 2016, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Another excellent Tagalog piece and a wonderful example of the Bonifacio style. These don't come along very often and this one is a really nice specimen with a well preserved leather sheath. Congrats on such a nice find.

This pretty much says it all. Congratulations yet again on another beautiful and rare addition to your collection.

Best,
Robert

Battara · 1st June 2016, 12:16 AM

Thank you folks.

Although the scabbard is different, in many other respects it is similar to this dagger I got years ago.

Makes me wonder if this once belonged to a general or high ranking officer too.

Robert · 1st June 2016, 03:34 AM

I well remember this beautiful dagger Jose. Though there is no way that I know of to ever prove who it originally belonged to I would say that both of these pieces most likely belonged to high ranking officers (very likely a general) or at least high ranking officials of some kind. I imagine that it would have taken more money to purchase one of these pieces than most individuals of that time frame would have been able to afford. JMHO

Best,
Robert

Battara · 2nd June 2016, 12:23 AM

I agree Robert. In fact according to Dimasalang:

"From the markings it is obviously from Aguinaldos 1st Republic of the Philippines. A high ranking officer or generals dagger."

(found in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...epublic+dagger )

If this Bonifacio itak had a 1st Republic symbol on it, that would solidify the probability of the date and rank of the owner. What we do know for sure is that the owner was one of status and wealth.

Battara · 6th June 2016, 12:36 AM

Here are a couple of Filipino pictures of Bonifacio with this type of bolo/itak in his hand. I happen to have a copy of this stamp at home.

1st June 2016, 12:16 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	Thank you folks. Although the scabbard is different, in many other respects it is similar to this dagger I got years ago. Makes me wonder if this once belonged to a general or high ranking officer too. Attached Images

6th June 2016, 12:36 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	Here are a couple of Filipino pictures of Bonifacio with this type of bolo/itak in his hand. I happen to have a copy of this stamp at home. Attached Images

26th May 2016, 08:25 PM	#1
carlos Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 755	What a beautiful bolo !!! The hilt is fantastic! A very good piece to your collection Thanks for sharing Carlos

27th May 2016, 12:38 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,453	Jose: Another excellent Tagalog piece and a wonderful example of the Bonifacio style. These don't come along very often and this one is a really nice specimen with a well preserved leather sheath. Congrats on such a nice find. Ian.

1st June 2016, 03:34 AM	#5
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	I well remember this beautiful dagger Jose. Though there is no way that I know of to ever prove who it originally belonged to I would say that both of these pieces most likely belonged to high ranking officers (very likely a general) or at least high ranking officials of some kind. I imagine that it would have taken more money to purchase one of these pieces than most individuals of that time frame would have been able to afford. JMHO Best, Robert

2nd June 2016, 12:23 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,308	I agree Robert. In fact according to Dimasalang: "From the markings it is obviously from Aguinaldos 1st Republic of the Philippines. A high ranking officer or generals dagger." (found in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...epublic+dagger ) If this Bonifacio itak had a 1st Republic symbol on it, that would solidify the probability of the date and rank of the owner. What we do know for sure is that the owner was one of status and wealth.