Interesting Barong

drac2k · 2nd September 2015, 02:49 PM

This quite large, barong with a 19" blade has an interesting pommel which looks like at one time had a pair of coins on it. Am I correct in this assumption and if so, where could a get the correct coins ?

Sajen · 2nd September 2015, 05:25 PM

Hello Drac2k,

can you provide a close-up? And what is the diameter where the "coin" could have been? And from which material are the scabbard bindings?

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 3rd September 2015, 01:00 AM

Here are some more pictures; the area that I think previously held the coins are approx. 5/8"

Battara · 3rd September 2015, 01:13 AM

The pommel form has a lumad look to me while the rest appears Sulu.

Interesting mix. Coins? I'm sure you can find some WWII or earlier Philippine silver coins........

Sajen · 3rd September 2015, 01:17 AM

Much better pictures and nice & interesting barong. Have had once a similar problem, look here:http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=kampilan
I have attached 20 centavo silver coins but can't tell you the diameter for the moment since the kampilan is in other hands for a blade polish and etch. You can do a little bit google search to find out the diameter from this coins. Otherwise you can use also silver disks in the adequate diameter. I would give back the handle his "eyes", it will win beauty by this.

Regards,
Detlef

drac2k · 3rd September 2015, 02:32 AM

Good replies ;it seems like all agree,that there were coins there at one time.I will try to find a couple of 20 centavo silver coins.

archaeologist · 8th September 2015, 11:16 PM

Nice barong. People seem to agree it had coins, but do you really want to "restore" it that way? Makes it look nicer, I agree, but coins are dated, so now you will have added iffy date information to the piece. Even if you were sure of the original date, and got coins that matched, and even knowing that coins on an artifact can be added at any time in its life.
I say this because one of my frustrations collecting such things is the total lack of history on most of them, which would tell us so much about their story. The most you usually get when you ask the seller is "I bought it from Mr. Y who had it for years" which obviously tells you nothing much you want to know.
I'm not trying to attack anyone here, but I wish everyone would keep better records of where and when and who from, and keep them WITH the artifact, and pass that (and researched info) on to the next owner.
Cheers,
John

2nd September 2015, 02:49 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	Interesting Barong This quite large, barong with a 19" blade has an interesting pommel which looks like at one time had a pair of coins on it. Am I correct in this assumption and if so, where could a get the correct coins ? Attached Images

3rd September 2015, 01:00 AM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	Here are some more pictures; the area that I think previously held the coins are approx. 5/8" Attached Images

8th September 2015, 11:16 PM	#7
archaeologist Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 3	Do you really want to add coins? Nice barong. People seem to agree it had coins, but do you really want to "restore" it that way? Makes it look nicer, I agree, but coins are dated, so now you will have added iffy date information to the piece. Even if you were sure of the original date, and got coins that matched, and even knowing that coins on an artifact can be added at any time in its life. I say this because one of my frustrations collecting such things is the total lack of history on most of them, which would tell us so much about their story. The most you usually get when you ask the seller is "I bought it from Mr. Y who had it for years" which obviously tells you nothing much you want to know. I'm not trying to attack anyone here, but I wish everyone would keep better records of where and when and who from, and keep them WITH the artifact, and pass that (and researched info) on to the next owner. Cheers, John

2nd September 2015, 05:25 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,783	Hello Drac2k, can you provide a close-up? And what is the diameter where the "coin" could have been? And from which material are the scabbard bindings? Regards, Detlef

3rd September 2015, 01:13 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,225	The pommel form has a lumad look to me while the rest appears Sulu. Interesting mix. Coins? I'm sure you can find some WWII or earlier Philippine silver coins........

3rd September 2015, 01:17 AM	#5
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,783	Much better pictures and nice & interesting barong. Have had once a similar problem, look here:http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...light=kampilan I have attached 20 centavo silver coins but can't tell you the diameter for the moment since the kampilan is in other hands for a blade polish and etch. You can do a little bit google search to find out the diameter from this coins. Otherwise you can use also silver disks in the adequate diameter. I would give back the handle his "eyes", it will win beauty by this. Regards, Detlef

3rd September 2015, 02:32 AM	#6
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,232	Good replies ;it seems like all agree,that there were coins there at one time.I will try to find a couple of 20 centavo silver coins.