GUNONG on EBAY

[David]

Gentlemen...i see no reason why this thread should now move into discussion of the ivory trade. I don't believe the original gunong is ivory. the fittings seems to be made of bone. Let's discuss THIS weapon and try to keep this on topic and not digress into a debate about legal vs illegal ivory.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all~ I had to look up German Silver which appears to be made of ~ three fifths copper, one fifth nickel and one fifth zinc. Some versions of this alloy may have slightly different ratios of these metals, and some may be made with only copper and nickel, and no zinc. A silver test would deliver the answer.

The work looks new along the edges of the finished worked silver where I can see sharp edges. The incised patterns are uniformally cut and appear new and without wear indicating a freshly worked project. I have to say, however, that the work looks good but I am no expert on these weapons nor do I know the silver smiths of that region. (if indeed it is silver)

Where or if it can be proven that this workshop is producing authentic weapons and provided that there are no illusions by the owner I see no reason why an ongoing ethnographic production unit shouldn't do well...If the work is true then these could be the antiques of the future.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[David]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Where or if it can be proven that this workshop is producing authentic weapons and provided that there are no illusions by the owner I see no reason why an ongoing ethnographic production unit shouldn't do well...If the work is true then these could be the antiques of the future.

I am basically in agreement with you Ibrahiim. I doubt that the metal is silver simply because the seller (who sells a great deal of similar Moro weapons on eBay) made absolutely no mention of the nature of the material. A seasoned and astute seller such as this would undoubtably mention silver as a selling point if it were the case.
I would be quite pleased to see the continuance of high quality tradition weapons being produced in the area. My only concern is that they all appear to have been "aged" for appearance sake and then presented with no claim to age whatsoever. This kind of leaves the question open for the buyer and as we all probably know, people tend to believe what they want to believe if not told otherwise. And then, if a buyer who assumes the item has age turns around a couple of years later and sells it it might then become labelled as "early 20th Century" or some other nonsense like that. Of course, it is always "buyer beware", isn't it...

[mross]

The whole piece has a new look to me. Colors seem too bright to have age. That being said the workmanship looks good. If it is made new and sold as new that is quite ok. I see a problem if they get old blades and put new but "aged" fittings on it. Then things can get a bit dicey.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by David

I am basically in agreement with you Ibrahiim. I doubt that the metal is silver simply because the seller (who sells a great deal of similar Moro weapons on eBay) made absolutely no mention of the nature of the material. A seasoned and astute seller such as this would undoubtably mention silver as a selling point if it were the case.
I would be quite pleased to see the continuance of high quality tradition weapons being produced in the area. My only concern is that they all appear to have been "aged" for appearance sake and then presented with no claim to age whatsoever. This kind of leaves the question open for the buyer and as we all probably know, people tend to believe what they want to believe if not told otherwise. And then, if a buyer who assumes the item has age turns around a couple of years later and sells it it might then become labelled as "early 20th Century" or some other nonsense like that. Of course, it is always "buyer beware", isn't it...

Salaams David ~ I agree. If the seller can be given a prod to divulge the material(silver) then I think it will clear up the problem. The work looks new but I see no deliberate attempt to age the weapon. The copper rings on the hilt are completely new and there are no dents in any of the metalwork. The horn looks "as is" without any deliberately applied "wear.'' I get no clues from the blade at all. Thus it appears new, though, in the best traditions of the style, however, a confirmation from the seller would allow collectors to better decide.

In countries where ethnographics are ongoing and live I see no problem with the new item being faithfully reproduced in the old way (in fact in some countries the buyer often insists upon a brand new item since why would he want to wear something someone else has worn ? That is certainly often the case in the market in Oman and the UAE appertaining to local people as opposed to foreigners who tend to go for older items) provided it is certificated and the ethnographic collecting fraternity are aware of the situation these weapons can join the historical tradition... Your final note of "buyer beware" being key.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[David]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

The work looks new but I see no deliberate attempt to age the weapon.

Just a small disagreement there. The bone of the sheath and the hilt has been stained to give an aged color and patina.