Bolo
Kapampangan
Apalit (?), Pampanga, Luzon, Philippines
Late 19th - Mid- 20th century (ca. 1898 - 1945)
Steel, brass, bone, horn
Blade: 8 3/4" (21.3cm)
Hilt & Blade: 14" (35.6cm)
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -
Collection Date: 2016
Collection Number: 81

Ex. Miami, Florida, USA Private Collection (2016): Formerly from a well- known Civil War and weapons collector, purchased in the 1970s.

A sturdy Filipino bolo knife from Pampanga, Philippines, most likely from Apalit, a town historically famous for its blacksmithing in Luzon Island. The single- edged steel blade widens at the center before gently curving upwards to the clip- point style tip. Some blackening to the blade. Brass diamond- shaped cross guard, which flares outward at the middle. The barrel hilt is extensively layered, composed of brass ends. In between are alternating segments of geometric brass bands and bone discs, with a dark grained carabao water buffalo horn central grip decorated with brass strips and nails. The brass pommel cap secures the tang in the style of a four leaf flower. Missing its sheath.

A heavy, solid bolo knife of good quality. The blade is high- carbon steel possibly forged from vehicle leaf springs, while the brass caps on the ends of the hilt may have their origins in spent brass shell casings. Dating between the Phillipine- American War period to World War II era.

Photograph 15: Macabebe scouts, Philippine American War Period.