Advice for Fist of Ilokano Bolo

xasterix · 6th February 2019, 06:07 AM

Good Lord, that's one hell of a sword.

Sorry, I don't know about the missing part, just came here to drool over it...

Rick · 6th February 2019, 06:33 AM

Looks like a ring should go there.
I would think the shank would be let into the finger a bit though; just to keep it a bit more secure.

Battara · 7th February 2019, 02:53 AM

According to Lorenz in recent correspondence, the scalloped blade profile definitely makes this Ilokano (as earlier mentioned by Ian), and that there was most probably a ring there.

What he is not sure of is why around the top finger instead of the "ring finger". Could it be an indication of status or rank among the Katipunan?

David · 7th February 2019, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

What he is not sure of is why around the top finger instead of the "ring finger". Could it be an indication of status or rank among the Katipunan?

Why would a ring on such a hand specifically need to go on the "ring finger". Despite the name, rings are often worn on the other fingers as well in various cultures.

Rick · 7th February 2019, 06:32 PM

Not to mention there is already a bracelet (or two ?) in place.

And what is that filled hole between the little finger and the (usual) ring finger for; another ring ?

Ian · 7th February 2019, 09:58 PM

Jose and I have been talking about this hilt offline for a few days. The sword is a very nice example of Ilokano bladesmithing and the hilt is clearly first rate too. As far as rings on the finger of these fist hilts, I have only seen them on the fourth finger ("ring finger"), but there is probably no good reason why they should not appear on other fingers.

Attached is a picture of one of mine that has aluminum inlays (unfortunately not silver) and is probably mid- to late- 20th C in manufacture. A ring with an inset stone is visible. It too appears to be Ilokano in origin. I don't have a picture of the blade at this time, but IIRC it also had a double-clipped appearance (like Jose's).

Interesting to note that there are left- and right-handed versions of these hilts. I have no idea what the significance of that may be.

Ian.

Battara · 8th February 2019, 03:46 AM

Been researching the web for reasons that might explain a ring on the finger, much less a ring on the first finger. So far, no luck yet.

7th February 2019, 09:58 PM	#6
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,470	Jose and I have been talking about this hilt offline for a few days. The sword is a very nice example of Ilokano bladesmithing and the hilt is clearly first rate too. As far as rings on the finger of these fist hilts, I have only seen them on the fourth finger ("ring finger"), but there is probably no good reason why they should not appear on other fingers. Attached is a picture of one of mine that has aluminum inlays (unfortunately not silver) and is probably mid- to late- 20th C in manufacture. A ring with an inset stone is visible. It too appears to be Ilokano in origin. I don't have a picture of the blade at this time, but IIRC it also had a double-clipped appearance (like Jose's). Interesting to note that there are left- and right-handed versions of these hilts. I have no idea what the significance of that may be. Ian. Attached Images

6th February 2019, 06:07 AM	#1
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 696	Good Lord, that's one hell of a sword. Sorry, I don't know about the missing part, just came here to drool over it...

6th February 2019, 06:33 AM	#2
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,365	Looks like a ring should go there. I would think the shank would be let into the finger a bit though; just to keep it a bit more secure.

7th February 2019, 02:53 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	According to Lorenz in recent correspondence, the scalloped blade profile definitely makes this Ilokano (as earlier mentioned by Ian), and that there was most probably a ring there. What he is not sure of is why around the top finger instead of the "ring finger". Could it be an indication of status or rank among the Katipunan?

7th February 2019, 06:32 PM	#5
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,365	Not to mention there is already a bracelet (or two ?) in place. And what is that filled hole between the little finger and the (usual) ring finger for; another ring ?

8th February 2019, 03:46 AM	#7
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,325	Been researching the web for reasons that might explain a ring on the finger, much less a ring on the first finger. So far, no luck yet.