Hi, recently picked up a large old Bowie-style bolo knife. It's 17" overall, and has a 12" blade. Grips appear to be either horn or tortise-shell--I don't think they are bone. They are held with simple copper rivets. The blade's maximum thickness is about 1/8".
I'm a little mystifed by the slightly irregular groved lines that run the length of the blade: they don't look like they are from a hand-file or grindstone or belt sander. Perhaps they are forge marks, or maybe the knife's stock was from an old shop file, hence the odd pattern? (Hopefully my second photo shows them online.) While there are a few places showing recent rust removal, these lines appear to be original.
Any info or educated guesses on country of origin and approximate age are welcome. (I'm guessing Latin America or maybe Phillipines?)
Thanks in advance.
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I'm a little mystifed by the slightly irregular groved lines that run the length of the blade: they don't look like they are from a hand-file or grindstone or belt sander. Perhaps they are forge marks, or maybe the knife's stock was from an old shop file, hence the odd pattern? (Hopefully my second photo shows them online.) While there are a few places showing recent rust removal, these lines appear to be original.
Any info or educated guesses on country of origin and approximate age are welcome. (I'm guessing Latin America or maybe Phillipines?)
Thanks in advance.