Revival of an old fighter
 

Have bought some time ago this neglected barong. Here the pictures of this piece after it was received.

one picture more

First step of restauration was the scabbard, here the pictures.

It was found that the handle was broken in two parts, the beak was missing and the silver ferrule was also in a very bad state.

The handle byself is restored already, next step will be the restauration of the ferrule.

I will update this thread when the restauration is completed. A great compliment to the restorer who has done until now an outstanding job by this piece. :) ;)

Hi Detlef

Looks a nice job, so far :)

Hi Colin,

thank you but the compliment have to go to someone other! But he will see your compliment! ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Great job Detlef! I bet it took some patience with that rattan.

I know these scabbards are not as old, but it's hard not to love the great carving typically seen on them.

Hello Charles,

yes, I agree, the restorer has done a grat job. And who have ever tried to straighten such a rattan binding will know how difficult this is and how much patience it need. And I agree with you, this carvings are really nice. :eek:

Regards,
Detlef

That ferrule will be a challenge; it's silver isn't it?
It looks like it might end up as much solder as silver when it's finally done. ;)

Hello Rick,

yes, it will be a challenge to restore the ferrule which is indeed from silver but I have a great confidence in the skill of the restorer. ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Jewllers use laser welding these days.
I can restore the silver crack without leaving any visible trace.
I did it ( paid for it, actulally:-) on several items. Looks fantastic! Or, more precisely, does not "look" at all :-)

Hello Ariel,

I've heard about this. But I am sure that the restorer will do a great job. Just let wait us a little bit and we will see the result.

Regards,
Detlef

A great Job Detlef,

I too am having the ferrule restored on one of mine, a real old school silversmith who has bought back to life some real tragedies.

The craftsmen of the past who worked in these precious metals were often near blind by their mid 30's and the workmanship of some of the thinnest silver and gold that they did can't properly be replicated...their attention to detail is in many cases unsurpassed.

Gavin

Hi Gavin,

yes, the restorer has done a great job so far and I am sure that he will do a similar good job by the ferrule. ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Here some pictures of the reattached handle with the restored ferrule.

Here are two pictures from the barong after cleaning the blade and reshaping the tip of the blade.

Here a picture before and after restauration.

Again, nicely done Detlef. You have given this piece a much truer revision of what it originally looked like, including improving the appearance of the lovely wood. I am sure there are some that would argue and say you should have left it untouched, but I think it's a nice job.

I agree with Charles - very nicely done.

Some final pictures of the restored barong, it's now preserved for future generations and look again how it once could have looked. The blade has received an etch and show a nice lamination. A great thank went to the superb restorer who has done an outstanding job.