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14th November 2010, 06:12 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Solihull, UK
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Pair of Moro Barong
Hi all
Another couple of recent aquisitions. Have wanted a nice pair of barong for a while now. The first has a 15 1/2 inch blade. Described as 19th cent from the sulu region. Very interested if someone could confirm what are the reliable indicators of age on these, and what features help date them. I believe the punto is silver, which does point to it being an older example. The 2nd is abit more ornate and has a longer blade. Lovely intricate carvings. Terrific pattern and hardened edge clearly visible. Unfortunately it hasnt been cared for particulary well, had a couple of red rust finger print marks on the blade i had to take care of, the blade is every so slightly loose in the hilt also. In my opinion this one is 20th century?? Any info any one can add as always is greatly appreciated. Last edited by carlitobrigante; 15th November 2010 at 01:12 AM. |
14th November 2010, 06:13 PM | #2 |
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Location: Solihull, UK
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more pics
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14th November 2010, 06:21 PM | #3 |
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Location: The Sharp end
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Thats a cracking pair you've got there mate!
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14th November 2010, 06:23 PM | #4 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,293
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Cato had a theory that one could judge the era from the carving at the end of the handle .
Try to find a copy of Moro Swords by Robert Cato; also a few hours spent here going through the archives would, quite possibly, be even more rewarding . Search terms : Barong Barung |
14th November 2010, 06:28 PM | #5 |
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Solihull, UK
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thanks Rick, i have been looking through the treasure trove that is this sites archive, a wealth of info there that im still looking through. As for Catos book, ive been searching for a copy for a while now, but its a bugger to track down, and the one time i did it was priced out of my reach anyway :-(
thats very interesting if he thinks the hilt carvings can tell us a rough date. Aswell as that then im told the smaller blades tend to be older?? The use of silver in the fittings can mean its older. And am i right in saying aswell that the use of mother on pearl on the scabbard denotes its most likely 20th century?? Anything else anyone know of that helps date these??? If anyones got any scans of any pages i would be forever in your debt if you could share. Failing that if anyone could email what the book says about the handle carvings that would be fantastic also. For some reason the pics ive attached have been put into wrong order, incase it isnt obvious the 3rd pic down, the blade belongs to the one with the ornate hilt, the 5th pic down is the blade of the older barong. Last edited by carlitobrigante; 14th November 2010 at 06:40 PM. |
14th November 2010, 07:24 PM | #6 |
EAAF Staff
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,225
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I feel that the first one is 1900 to early 20th century and the second one based on the hilt style is 1920s from the Samal people in around Sulu.
Nice laminations on both pieces and great early Samal carvings on the scabbard (the 2nd piece). |
15th November 2010, 12:03 AM | #7 |
Vikingsword Staff
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Yes, those carvings are quite excellent; the uniformity and symmetry of the individual forms are masterfully executed .
I almost thought it to be embossed at first glance ! |
15th November 2010, 03:01 AM | #8 | ||||||
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Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,254
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Nice start for a barung collection!
Both blades may well be 19th c. IMHO and I'd be tempted to repolish and etch the longer one (or both). Just a hunch - I'm wondering wether with the Samal barung only the pommel might have been replaced during the 20th c.? Both scabbards appear to be of good quality. Tips(feet) of both scabbards have been broken off (happens a lot); the Tausug(?) piece with another break on the other side of the throat. Please post close-ups when you receive these! Quote:
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Regards, Kai |
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15th November 2010, 03:23 AM | #9 | |
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