Barong from ebay, what do you think?

[mross]

Recently won this on ebay. I liked the coins being in it. They are barber half dollars 1892-1915 so that gives a rough dating at late 18th early 19th century for this barong. Based on its blade shape I would be more inclined to say 19th. It is nicely watered steel although it could use a better polish and etch to bring it out.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PHILIPPINE-M...vip=true&rt=nc

[Sajen]

Hi Mross,

very nice barong with the attached coins at the scabbard and the complete rattan binding. I have watched this one also. Your dating seems correct, around the turn of the centuries but correct 19th/20th, the 19th century start at 1. January 1801.
Personally I wouldn't etch the blade since the lamination is good visible.
Have attached some pictures from the auction so we don't need to jump.

Regards,

Detlef

[Robert]

Very nice barong, one that I know many would have liked to add to their own collection. As far as using the coins to help determine age I cannot agree as they could have been added at any point in this items life. Coins could easily be older or newer than anything they are attached to. Even if a coin is being used as a guard on a knife it does not necessarily mean that both pieces are of the same general age. Congratulations on a great addition to your collection.


Regards,
Robert

[kai]

Hello Mike,

As far as using the coins to help determine age I cannot agree as they could have been added at any point in this items life. Coins could easily be older or newer than anything they are attached to.

I completely agree with Robert. I also believe coins are about the most common add-on to make something appear older than it actually is.

This is a really nice barung though - congrats!

IMHO the barung itself is an antique Tausug piece, quite possibly (late) 19th century. I especially like the not so common silver braiding which seems to be in good condition despite some genuine wear. Looks like a fighting barung with above average fittings to me.

Please post a close-up of the carving at the scabbard tip once you receive it! From what I can glean from the pics, I'm not convinced this is as old as the barung; if I had to guess, I'd believe this to originate from the first quarter of the 20th c.: the ukkil carving (Tausug, too) is nice but not of the workmanship typical for the 19th c. I'd also guess that the coins got added later (i. e. after the initial carving of the scabbard) since their placement slightly compromises the wood carving esthetics; doesn't look recent either though. BTW, I'd prefer to remove the leather strap which might be the only non-genuine add-on of the piece.

Regards,
Kai

[CharlesS]

This barong is quite attractive at first glance...that is what you can see. What worries me is what you can't see. The seller has carefully photographed this in such a way that the pommel peak/crest is invisible. This makes me suspicious that perhaps a finely carved peak/crest is broken off or damaged.

I hope I am wrong and that it works out for you.

[mross]

Originally Posted by CharlesS

This barong is quite attractive at first glance...that is what you can see. What worries me is what you can't see. The seller has carefully photographed this in such a way that the pommel peak/crest is invisible. This makes me suspicious that perhaps a finely carved peak/crest is broken off or damaged.

I hope I am wrong and that it works out for you.

Thanks, nothing broken all intact. The silver fittlings are in good shape but do show some damage.

I do agree that coins are not the "best" way to determine age. All posted arguments are correct they can be added at any time to make something appear older or more vintage. In this case however they served more as a guide. As stated the blade shape is "newer" but everything points to 19th century.
I try and get the photo requested.

[Robert]

When I stated "As far as using the coins to help determine age I cannot agree as they could have been added at any point in this items life. Coins could easily be older or newer than anything they are attached to. " I did not mean to imply that the coins attached to the scabbard of your barong were put there with the sole purpose of making this item appear older than it actually is. I was just trying to say that coins are usually added as decorations and can be added at any point in the life time of that item, and can be of any age, older or newer than the item they are placed on.

Regards,
Robert