Hello All,
These two gunongs have recently come to live with one. Both for prices low enough that they should be criminal. One has previously been seen in a family photo, but I thought it deserves a bit more attention.
The first is a monster of a gunong. 17" inches total, 12 of those the blade alone. The size and profile reminds me a bit of a Bugis Keris (some influence maybe?).
The guard is aluminium. The ferrule is (perhaps silver, but more likely) aluminium and copper. The blade has pointy waves, and after a quick attempt at a lime juice etch, shows what I think might be signs of lamination. Or not. I'm not sure. Okir is present. Sadly, the scabbard is long gone.
The handle is weird, I don't know of any others of similar construction (though admittedly, I don't know much, so that's not saying much). It appears to be made of a central strip of wood (darkened, perhaps from sweat, on the inside of the pistol grip) and two plates of what I assume is carabao horn attached with aluminum nails. The plates are starting to separate from the wood.
If I had to guess, I think it's something like WWII era or latter? mostly based on the size and the aluminum. I think it might be maranao, but that's just a guess.
The second is smaller, and I believe, older. It resembles #7 in Krieger's plate 13. (found here,
http://www.vikingsword.com/rila/krieger.html). I suspect it dates to the late 19th, or perhaps early 20th century.
The handle is wood of some sort. The simple ferrule is brass, guard is copper. The blade is waved. I gave it a quick vinegar etch and I think I see signs of lamination, but I think I'd do well to give it a decent polish before I try next time. The scabbard is also long gone.
So, what do you think? Did I get it right, or totally wrong?
I'm happy to hear any and all opinions, corrections, etc.
Have fun,
Leif