This is a Filipino bolo knife brought back by a World War II veteran. Bolo's are commonly used in agricultural work, often considered farming implements. They are commonly found in the Phillipines and the jungles of Indonesia. Their main use is for clearing vegetation. Bolo's are also used in Filipino martial arts as part of the training. The bolo design is characterized by having a native hardwood or animal horn handle, a full tang and a blade that curves and widens at the tip. This shape moves the center of gravity as far forward as possible. It gives the knife extra momentum for chopping. There are various types of bolos for different uses. Among them are the general purpose bolo, the haras, the kutsilyo, the guna, the garab, the pinuti and the sundang. This bolo is a general purpose bolo. It measures 12 1/2" overall. The blade is 8 3/8" long with a maximum width of 1 1/2". The blade has a silver/gray patina with dark age spots near the spine and handle. The blade still retains a period edge. The wooden handle measures 4 1/4" long. There is an age crack to the wood on the left side about 3 1/4" long. The handle haas been painted, not sure if it's original paint , but it's been on there for a while. The scabbard is a two piece wooden one, held together by tightly wound leather braids. One of the leather bands is missing at the top of the scabbard, revealing the natural color of the wood. The scabbard measures 10 3/4" in length and has a sweeping curve shape. In addition to the five remaining leather bands there is a five point star on the right side of the scabbard. The scabbard has been painted the same color as the knife handle. This is a nice looking veterans souvenir from the Pacific campaign of World War II.

Item # AA829

(Sold)