Identification?
 

Hello all,

I am now the proud owner of something. :shrug: It surely looks interesting and I imagine some history behind the blade. However I cannot locate a reference that will help me identify it. So I bring it to you, in the hope of enlightenment. Don't be afraid to tell me I bought a tourist item - I didn't pay much and took a chance. But I think it may be something more interesting. Here are some pictures.

Best regards, and a happy holiday season to all of you.

- Dave A.

More info
 

More pictures to be posted when it arrives.

Blade is 7", at widest 2 1/2". With hilt length is 10"

Blade is reportedly "etched" on both sides.

- Dave A.

Looks like a Gunong to me. Very odd grip, never seen one like it before. :confused: What is it made of, mother of pearl or something else? What are the fittings on the scabbard and the guard made of?


Robert

It's a Moro Punal. Others here will know much better than I but I think it's a nice one. congrats.

Hi Dave,
As Matt and Robert have said, it's a Moro punal or gunong. I'm far from an expert, but do collect them. Federico has some info on his web page.
http://home.earthlink.net/~federicom...roweapons.html

Others are much more knowledgeable, but I'd guess post WWII. It's a nice example. Here are some other types. More pics at:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Public/Gunong/


Steve Ferguson
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...unal-group.jpg

yup, filipino moro gunong (punal in spanish)
similar to above & mine, excepting grip materials,
yours looks like bone or ivory of some sort.
:)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s...nckew/gun1.jpg

Gracious thanks
 

Once again, the collective wisdom of this forum has come through. Thank you very much. I will post more information to this thread and a better picture when the item arrives and I get it cleaned up.

Regards,

Dave A.

Looks like the gunong (Moro name for this Moro piece) was made later with aluminum mounts and MOP hilt slabs. Will await better pictures.