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    Bolo Dagger (Kris/Keris-style)

    Vintage dagger with curved wooden handle and metal blade, separated from its small wooden sheath, resting on a wooden table. - view 1
    1/3
    Average (4/10)
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    QUICK FACTS

    17

    Categories

    Militaria,Decorative Objects,Antiques

    Era

    Early to Mid 20th Century

    Origin

    🌍 International

    Rarity

    Average (4/10)

    Discovered

    Jan 14, 2026

    1 months ago

    DESCRIPTION

    This appears to be a small dagger or knife, possibly a bolo variation, with a distinctive hilt and blade profile that evokes the aesthetics of Southeast Asian keris or kris daggers, though it lacks the characteristic wavy blade. The handle is carved wood, and the blade is a straight, somewhat narrow piece of metal. The overall construction suggests a utilitarian or ceremonial hand tool rather than a mass-produced weapon.

    CULTURAL ECHOES

    Where This Object Echoes

    Southeast Asian (Philippine, Indonesian, Malaysian)17th-20th Century

    The hilt's form and separation into blade, guard, and sheath are resonant with traditional keris/kris daggers and other regional knives.

    Various Indigenous CulturesPre-Industrial to Modern

    Small, functional daggers or knives with carved wooden handles and sheaths are common across many historical and indigenous cultures for utilitarian and ceremonial purposes.

    Ritual & Ceremonial Use

    • •Historically, such blades were not just tools but could be heirlooms, symbols of status, or carried for personal protection. Specific to keris, they are often used in ceremonies and believed to possess spiritual energy.

    Meaning Through Time

    Pre-20th Century

    Primarily a tool for survival, hunting, or personal defense, sometimes with ceremonial or spiritual significance.

    20th Century to Present

    Often retains cultural significance, becomes a collector's item, curio, or a reminder of regional craftsmanship, less often a primary tool.

    HISTORICAL STORY

    Daggers and knives with such ornate or distinctive hilts have a long history globally, often reflecting regional martial arts traditions or cultural significance. In Southeast Asia, the kris/keris is not merely a weapon but a spiritual object, imbued with history and power. While this object ...
    Daggers and knives with such ornate or distinctive hilts have a long history globally, often reflecting regional martial arts traditions or cultural significance. In Southeast Asia, the kris/keris is not merely a weapon but a spiritual object, imbued with history and power. While this object doesn't possess the typical wavy blade of a kris, its form factor with a separate wooden scabbard and the hilt's curve echo those traditional designs, suggesting it might be an interpretation or a related regional knife. The wear on the blade indicates it was likely used, perhaps for practical tasks or as a personal defense tool.

    DID YOU KNOW?

    1

    The hilt design, particularly the angled 'pistol-grip' style, is common in many Southeast Asian daggers, providing a secure grip for thrusting and parrying.

    2

    Bolo knives often feature a convex blade profile near the tip, differing from the straight edge seen here, but the term can generally refer to a large, Philippine-origin single-edged knife.

    MATERIAL & CONDITION

    Surface

    The wooden handle exhibits a smooth, aged patina, suggesting long handling and exposure. The metal blade shows significant dark oxidation and visible pitting, indicating age and lack of recent polish or protective coating. The metal guard or ferrule between blade and handle has a darkened, possibly bronze or iron appearance.

    Weight & Feel

    Based on its size and materials, it would likely feel light to moderately weighty, likely well-balanced for a hand-held implement.

    Condition

    The blade is heavily oxidized and corroded, with visible pitting and edge wear, suggesting historical use and neglect. The wooden handle appears to be in fair condition, with minor scuffs consistent with age, but no major cracks or breaks are immediately apparent. The small wooden scabbard or sheath is similarly aged, showing surface wear.

    RARITY ANALYSIS

    Average55-70%
    CommonLegendary

    Typical antique shop fare. Requires some searching but regularly available. This is where most genuine antiques fall.

    Typical Characteristics

    • Standard antique shop items
    • Regularly available
    • Moderate collector interest

    EXPERT ANALYSIS

    Trading Card Market Analyst

    Card Specialist

    The visual evidence clearly indicates a type of dagger with a distinct ergonomic handle and a separate sheath. Its form factor allows for a confident estimation of its origin and era, despite the lack of specific markings.

    KEY EVIDENCE

    • 1Distinctive curved wooden handle and small, straight metal blade.
    • 2Separate wooden sheath, indicating a complete set.
    • 3Blade shows significant oxidation and pitting, characteristic of older carbon steel.
    • 4Hilt design suggests influence from Southeast Asian dagger forms, though not a typical keris blade.

    UNCERTAINTIES

    • •Lack of identifying marks or symbols on the blade or handle.
    • •Exact regional origin within Southeast Asia is not clearly discernible from images alone.

    WHAT WOULD IMPROVE CERTAINTY

    • →Examine the blade for any hidden etchings or maker's marks under better lighting.
    • →Research regional knife designs from the Philippines, Indonesia, or Malaysia that feature similar hilt styles.
    • →Determine the type of wood used for the handle and sheath, as this could help pinpoint origin.

    ESTIMATED VALUE

    $50 - $150

    Updated: Feb 26, 2026

    • Market comparables from auctions & retail
    • Condition, completeness & craftsmanship
    • Current collector demand & trends
    • Low = quick sale, high = patient seller

    For informational purposes only, not a formal appraisal.

    FROM THE CABINET OF

    RE

    Rene

    Fellow Collector•27 items

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