Barong for Comment: Parade or Tourist Trade?

laEspadaAncha · 16th March 2010, 04:05 AM

I recently acquired this barong that had previously been in the personal possession of a gun store / weapons dealer. The items that were among his personal stock were generally of high quality.

However, while the wood and silver mountings of the hilt (puhan?) seem to speak to quality, the thickness of the blade (< 4mm) has me questioning the utility of this piece, which leaves me wondering: parade or tourist trade?

The blade measures approx. 18.5 inches / 47cm, with an OAL of 24.5 inches / 62cm.

Also, as you can see, the woodwork carving at the top of the hilt is broken. Any suggestions as how to make the damage less apparent?

Thanks as always...

Chris

Battara · 16th March 2010, 04:32 AM

Well, this is a mid-20th century barong. Could be Sulu. I would not necessarily call this a parade piece. It is definitely not a tourist piece. The silver punto is standard.

I might say that this particular piece is possibly a lower datu working piece for everyday wear. The MOP pieces in the scabbard and the burled wood pommel give me this indication.

Nice piece.

laEspadaAncha · 16th March 2010, 04:58 AM

Hi Jose,

Thank you.

How would you recommend I handle the small break on the pommel? Can/should I simply stain it? File it (and then stain it)? Send it to someone like you for some specialized TLC?

Regards,

Chris

Robert · 16th March 2010, 05:51 AM

If it were mine and if Jose has the time I would send it to him and let him work his magic on it.

Robert

laEspadaAncha · 16th March 2010, 07:17 AM

If I had a dollar for every time I've read someone recommend him or compliment him on his work in the time I've been lurking here, I wouldn't have to first ask him for a quote (like I just did)...

16th March 2010, 04:05 AM	#1
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Barong for Comment: Parade or Tourist Trade? I recently acquired this barong that had previously been in the personal possession of a gun store / weapons dealer. The items that were among his personal stock were generally of high quality. However, while the wood and silver mountings of the hilt (puhan?) seem to speak to quality, the thickness of the blade (< 4mm) has me questioning the utility of this piece, which leaves me wondering: parade or tourist trade? The blade measures approx. 18.5 inches / 47cm, with an OAL of 24.5 inches / 62cm. Also, as you can see, the woodwork carving at the top of the hilt is broken. Any suggestions as how to make the damage less apparent? Thanks as always... Chris

16th March 2010, 04:32 AM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	Well, this is a mid-20th century barong. Could be Sulu. I would not necessarily call this a parade piece. It is definitely not a tourist piece. The silver punto is standard. I might say that this particular piece is possibly a lower datu working piece for everyday wear. The MOP pieces in the scabbard and the burled wood pommel give me this indication. Nice piece.

16th March 2010, 04:58 AM	#3
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	Hi Jose, Thank you. How would you recommend I handle the small break on the pommel? Can/should I simply stain it? File it (and then stain it)? Send it to someone like you for some specialized TLC? Regards, Chris

16th March 2010, 05:51 AM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	If it were mine and if Jose has the time I would send it to him and let him work his magic on it. Robert

16th March 2010, 07:17 AM	#5
laEspadaAncha Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 608	If I had a dollar for every time I've read someone recommend him or compliment him on his work in the time I've been lurking here, I wouldn't have to first ask him for a quote (like I just did)...