Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Model 1917 C.T. Bolo manufactured by Fayette R. Plumb Inc, whose factory was in St. Louis, Missouri. They had another factory in the Bridesburg region of Philadelphia, PA. as well, and 1917 bolos were produced in both.

This model was a moderate simplification of the earlier 1910 Bolo made by Springfield Armory. The main difference is the lack of the catch mechanism on the scabbard and grip, though the crossguard still had a hole so that it could be used with earlier scabbards. It was manufactured by contractors such as Plumb and A.C. Co. The blade ricasso is marked:

PLUMB
St. Louis
1918

The reverse is marked:

U.S. MOD.
1917 C.T.

Blade and ricasso still have most of the original black finish, and are in good condition. There is however definitely wear, oxidation and this blade has been sharpened multiple times, which has changed the blade profile a bit. The main edge is sharpened from both sides along the entire edge, and the blade is definitely a bit lighter and narrower now. This has also removed some of the markings on the ricasso.

The grip is in very good condition, and shows wear due to use and cleaning. Most of the original ribbed texture has been worn away, and the wood is a bit of a darker shade due to weathering. The two securing screws are still firmly attached, just how we like to see them.

The leather tip of the canvas scabbard sleeve is deeply marked:

BRAUER BROS.
1918

The scabbard is in good condition, with no real issues with the canvas or leather portions aside from the expected wear from 100 years of age, and a bit of fabric shrinking.

Overall in great condition for its age, comes ready to display!

Specifications:
Knife Blade Length: 10”
Blade Width at Widest Point: 2”
Crossguard Length: 3 ½”
Grip Length: 4 ½”
Overall Length: 14 ½”

Scabbard Length: 11”
Scabbard Width: 3”

Total Length While In Scabbard: 16”

A bolo is a large cutting tool of Filipino origin similar to the machete. It is used particularly in the Philippines, the jungles of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, as well as in the sugar fields of Cuba.

The primary use for the bolo is clearing vegetation, whether for agriculture or during trail blazing. The bolo is also used in Filipino martial arts or Arnis as part of training.

Bolos are characterized by having a native hardwood or animal horn handle (such as from the carabao), a full tang, and by a steel blade that both curves and widens, often considerably so, at its tip. This moves the centre of gravity as far forward as possible, giving the bolo extra momentum for chopping.

So-called "jungle bolos", intended for combat rather than agricultural work, tend to be longer and less wide at the tip. Bolos for gardening usually have rounded tips.

It has been claimed by some historians that Lapulapu, during the Battle of Mactan, brandished a kampilan to kill Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan, though other historians dispute this. The bolo was the primary weapon used by the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution. It was also used by the Filipino guerrillas and bolomen during the Philippine–American War.

During World War I, United States Army soldier Henry Johnson gained international fame repelling a German raid in hand-to-hand combat using a bolo.

During World War II, the 1st Filipino Regiment was called the Bolo Battalion and used bolos for close quarters combat.

On 7 December 1972, would-be assassin Carlito Dimahilig used a bolo to attack former First Lady Imelda Marcos as she appeared onstage at a live televised awards ceremony. Dimahilig stabbed Marcos in the abdomen several times, and she parried the blows with her arms. He was shot dead by security forces while she was taken to a hospital.

The bolo serves as a symbol for the Katipunan and the Philippine Revolution, particularly the Cry of Pugad Lawin. Several monuments of Andres Bonifacio, as with other notable Katipuneros, depict him holding a bolo in one hand and the Katipunan flag in the other.