Barong beauty

Indianajones · 28th October 2012, 11:59 AM

Hi folks, thought to share this beauty barong. What region would it originate from? Any comments are welcome. Technically its not my field of collecting but who wouldnt want to own, handle n cherish it ??

Info on it; Total L. 62 x 15 cm , blade n handle L. 58 x 5.8 cm
Not messed around with, not cleaned (silver ferrule), and surprisingly shiny blade (am sure not been cleaned as well), wonderfull honeydark patinated handle, heavy blade. And in no way will do anything (applying acid etc) to it as examples as this will become more rare in future

Too bad the pics havent turned out so sharp, just seen.

Best, Indiana

Sajen · 28th October 2012, 12:40 PM

Hi Wouter,

very nice Barong. Since the blade seems to be polished I personally would etch the blade!

When you don't like the result it will be very easy to repolish the blade. etching with vinegar don't go deep, it's just surficial.
Again, a very nice piece and rare with the unbroken sheath.

Regards,

Detlef

CharlesS · 28th October 2012, 04:52 PM

It's always so nice to see such a beautifully patinated and complete example, with the pommel completely intact.

More often than not we are lamenting over an example perfect in every way except for a 'busted' pommel, just like the one that one of these guys is wearing!

Nice find!

Robert · 28th October 2012, 04:56 PM

Yes, a very nice barong. I especially like the hilt carving and the sheath. As far as etching goes, I'm with you as I don't think it a necessary thing to do. I do however love the look of shinny silver.

Regards,
Robert

Battara · 28th October 2012, 06:19 PM

Oh I don't know - I think a good etch would bring out the lamination.

Any way, this is a Sulu region piece. Great to have these pieces intact.

David · 28th October 2012, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Coleman

Yes, a very nice barong. I especially like the hilt carving and the sheath. As far as etching goes, I'm with you as I don't think it a necessary thing to do. I do however love the look of shinny silver.

I have wondered for some time whether it is truly traditional to etch these blades or not. While it was certainly a tradition for Javanese keris i have seen many old photos of Moro kris and barong that do NOT have an etch or show pattern to the blade. Is this just a collector choice or can someone show us real evidence that this was common with old Moro tradition?

Indianajones · 28th October 2012, 08:43 PM

Battara; thanks for tributing the piece to the tribe of origin!
Regarding the blade. I was actually quite surprised to see the blade come out so shiny. Initially I also assumed the blade was polished, but seen and knowing the provenance and uncleaned rest of the sword I came to the conclusion it is not tempered/polished with at all. Though I do wonder at the moment if they have added something to the iron that gives the metal such a shiny finish . . . .still after years (no oxidation).

<I tried to make some more pics of the blade and also of the extra shiny spot where the blade touches the wood scabbard (near handle at budendside), but my computer is having some cures at d moment>

Before I have had another barong which was also not tempered with which showed the natural discoloration -faint oval forms in greyish n different hues- showing its 'activities' of different forgemetals. (shown pics before to show Sajen in this forum in a 'to acid or not to acid'-topic). So when there IS layered forging one will see it also without acid-ing (which will just enhance the effect more).

As this piece will be for trade and can always cleaned in a minute -but not reverse- I will leave it this way and even not clean the silver.
>>>>>its all soooo original now !!!!! <<<<<

Charless; have encountered that pic also when searching for a picture of s Sulu sultan wearing the Dress sword (see my other latest thread on pics). But thanks. Will continue my search as one may also search for 'Sulu datu' perhaps.

Thanks all so much for the comments!

Battara · 28th October 2012, 11:42 PM

On the subject of etching, yes Moros did at least initially etch their blades. I have a couple of old pictures of datus with etched dark blades.

28th October 2012, 11:59 AM	#1
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Barong beauty Hi folks, thought to share this beauty barong. What region would it originate from? Any comments are welcome. Technically its not my field of collecting but who wouldnt want to own, handle n cherish it ?? Info on it; Total L. 62 x 15 cm , blade n handle L. 58 x 5.8 cm Not messed around with, not cleaned (silver ferrule), and surprisingly shiny blade (am sure not been cleaned as well), wonderfull honeydark patinated handle, heavy blade. And in no way will do anything (applying acid etc) to it as examples as this will become more rare in future Too bad the pics havent turned out so sharp, just seen. Best, Indiana Attached Images

28th October 2012, 04:52 PM	#3
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	It's always so nice to see such a beautifully patinated and complete example, with the pommel completely intact. More often than not we are lamenting over an example perfect in every way except for a 'busted' pommel, just like the one that one of these guys is wearing! Nice find! Attached Images

28th October 2012, 12:40 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,769	Hi Wouter, very nice Barong. Since the blade seems to be polished I personally would etch the blade! When you don't like the result it will be very easy to repolish the blade. etching with vinegar don't go deep, it's just surficial. Again, a very nice piece and rare with the unbroken sheath. Regards, Detlef

28th October 2012, 04:56 PM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Yes, a very nice barong. I especially like the hilt carving and the sheath. As far as etching goes, I'm with you as I don't think it a necessary thing to do. I do however love the look of shinny silver. Regards, Robert

28th October 2012, 06:19 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Oh I don't know - I think a good etch would bring out the lamination. Any way, this is a Sulu region piece. Great to have these pieces intact.

28th October 2012, 08:43 PM	#7
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Battara; thanks for tributing the piece to the tribe of origin! Regarding the blade. I was actually quite surprised to see the blade come out so shiny. Initially I also assumed the blade was polished, but seen and knowing the provenance and uncleaned rest of the sword I came to the conclusion it is not tempered/polished with at all. Though I do wonder at the moment if they have added something to the iron that gives the metal such a shiny finish . . . .still after years (no oxidation). <I tried to make some more pics of the blade and also of the extra shiny spot where the blade touches the wood scabbard (near handle at budendside), but my computer is having some cures at d moment> Before I have had another barong which was also not tempered with which showed the natural discoloration -faint oval forms in greyish n different hues- showing its 'activities' of different forgemetals. (shown pics before to show Sajen in this forum in a 'to acid or not to acid'-topic). So when there IS layered forging one will see it also without acid-ing (which will just enhance the effect more). As this piece will be for trade and can always cleaned in a minute -but not reverse- I will leave it this way and even not clean the silver. >>>>>its all soooo original now !!!!! <<<<< Charless; have encountered that pic also when searching for a picture of s Sulu sultan wearing the Dress sword (see my other latest thread on pics). But thanks. Will continue my search as one may also search for 'Sulu datu' perhaps. Thanks all so much for the comments!

28th October 2012, 11:42 PM	#8
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	On the subject of etching, yes Moros did at least initially etch their blades. I have a couple of old pictures of datus with etched dark blades.