Interesting Barong for Comment.

[drac2k]

I recently picked this up at auction. It has a nice blade with the reoccurring centipede motif with a silver ferrule, however, I'm not too sure of the metal wrap on the handle. Is this a more recent addition?
Any comments would be appreciated.

[kai]

Hello Drac,

Very nice blade!

I'm not too sure of the metal wrap on the handle. Is this a more recent addition?

I'd guess that the brass rings replaced twisted silver wire that may have got lost/torn: Genuine rings can have geometric motifs, too, and even quite simple ones at that - however, these usually alternate with bindings to achieve a reasonable grip.

From the pics, the surface finish of the wood seems to be a bit uneven (aside from the chipped areas). If this is real, I also would consider the possibility that the pommel might be a later replacement (also the wood choice is unusual for an high-end example); very sound craftsmanship though, likely not recent work (possibly at the same time as the scabbard?). Any worn surfaces?

Regards,
Kai

[drac2k]

Thanks Kai.
Those possibilities also came to my mind; that is why I feel that the blade and the silver ferrule are original and the other components could be later add-ons or modifications. The metal fits almost seamlessly and I think that your point that there may have been some bindings at the junctions is very reasonable.
In my limited experience, I haven't seen that type of pattern on the sheeting covering the handle. The handle was very dark before I cleaned it with silver polish.
What areas did you want to know if it was "worn?'

[Battara]

I agree that the brass parts are recent as well as the pommel. The style of carving and the mother-of-pearl inlays indicate this. However, I also agree that the blade and the silver parts are original. Also the scabbard is newer in style.

Part of the problem is that no one in the Philippines can do the same weaving in silver wire as their ancestors anymore.

Regarding the silver inlay, centipedes found in the Philippines (and the region) are huge and very poisonous. Great talisman to make the weapon lethal (and the owner protected?)

Congratulations!

[drac2k]

Thanks for the imput.

[kino]

Congrats on a nice win.
The insets seems to be mother of pearl, I wonder if these are replacements or a sign of the pommels age. Usually on the older pieces, they're bone, some Ivory, but mother of pearl, rarely. The fit of the insets might also be a clue of its age.

Nice blade. I also have a Barung with a similar centipede inlaid blade.
Thanks for sharing.

[kai]

Hello Drac,

The handle was very dark before I cleaned it with silver polish.

Also the wooden pommel? The repair will date back some time (perhaps to the WW2 period?) - this craftsmanship is hardly seen anymore today.

What areas did you want to know if it was "worn?'

Tough call - basically all those surfaces (and, especially, exposed tips, etc.) that gets rubbed during regular wear and handling.

Your pommel is apparently made from a single piece of hardwood while the selection seems to reflect later preference/availability. The uneven surface finish of the main pommel vs. the extensions seems quite odd (except for the chipped areas, of course).

Regards,
Kai

[Spunjer]

Hello Drac. nice catch! you beat me by literally half a second, lol
regarding the barung, i have the privilege of handling this before the auction. nothing in this particular barung says that it was a later piece; it's just that it was well taken cared off. i don't think the pommel was a later replacement either.
as far as the brass rings; it's not a common method but i noticed these are more prevalent on wood junggayans similar to this. here is another example with brass/silver ferrule on a wooded junggayan. my thinking on this is the original owner wanted a prestigious looking handle but ol' dude is on McDonalds budget. ok, maybe Bob Evans.

[kai]

Hello Ron,

i have the privilege of handling this before the auction. nothing in this particular barung says that it was a later piece; it's just that it was well taken cared off. i don't think the pommel was a later replacement either.

Thanks for your observations! Did you note wear commensurate with estimated age?

as far as the brass rings; it's not a common method but i noticed these are more prevalent on wood junggayans similar to this. here is another example with brass/silver ferrule on a wooded junggayan.

Very nice grouping! And that scabbard looks much more convincing!

Any feelings about inlay that got just glued? Appears to be quite common - however, any tendencies/trends?

Regards,
Kai

[kino]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

my thinking on this is the original owner wanted a prestigious looking handle but ol' dude is on McDonalds budget. ok, maybe Bob Evans.

Maybe a Jollibee budget...?