19th century Moro Barong? Comments please.

Bill M · 28th December 2006, 11:38 AM

I bought this barong from an ebay seller. The description is as follows:

"This auction is for a 19th century MORO sword BARONG swollen single edged heavy blade measuring 23" long in nice condition as in photos,good luck in your bidding."

I expressed concerns to the seller that the piece pictured below is niether Moro, Barong, nor 19th century. That it seems a made-for-export/tourist piece.

My biggest question: "IS THIS A LEGITIMATE PIECE OR JUST MADE FOR EXPORT?" Look at the side plates. Maybe this is legit and just a low-end piece?

The seller responded:

"hi bill not according to 2 leading edge weapon specialists in the uk,it was purchased at a leading militaria somerset auction,this is 100% original,please check again,we do not make mistakes ,our other ebay sites have over 10,000 positives on them,we have been selling blades for over 22 years,this piece is not a modern copy,regards simon."

I have asked for the names of these 'leading edge weapons specialists.'

I would very much like the comments of people of this Forum. I am purposely not mentioning the seller's name.

I am not looking for validation of my position, just your very frank comments whether negative or positive. Price was $338. Their pictures were not clear enough to see the details my pictures show.

Flavio · 28th December 2006, 11:52 AM

Bill, simply beautiful and very elegant!!! Congratulations, dear friend

Bill M · 28th December 2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flavio

Bill, simply beautiful and very elegant!!! Congratulations, dear friend

Look carefully

Flavio · 28th December 2006, 12:17 PM

Bill, i see an Adya katti, or maybe a Malabar knife, but i'm a little myopic....

Bill M · 28th December 2006, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flavio

Bill, i see an Adya katti, or maybe a Malabar knife, but i'm a little myopic....

Do the side plates seem correct?

katana · 28th December 2006, 02:23 PM

Hi Bill,
I am no expert....but my overall impression is ...it is not a tourist piece. How does it 'feel' in 'hand'......does the balance 'feel right'. The blade seems to have 'age' to it. The 'diagonal' marks/scratches are a little mysterious....but not all weapons were beautifully finished. I personally like it, is it the 'finish' that makes you suspect it is 'tourist'?

28th December 2006, 11:38 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	19th century Moro Barong? Comments please. I bought this barong from an ebay seller. The description is as follows: "This auction is for a 19th century MORO sword BARONG swollen single edged heavy blade measuring 23" long in nice condition as in photos,good luck in your bidding." I expressed concerns to the seller that the piece pictured below is niether Moro, Barong, nor 19th century. That it seems a made-for-export/tourist piece. My biggest question: "IS THIS A LEGITIMATE PIECE OR JUST MADE FOR EXPORT?" Look at the side plates. Maybe this is legit and just a low-end piece? The seller responded: "hi bill not according to 2 leading edge weapon specialists in the uk,it was purchased at a leading militaria somerset auction,this is 100% original,please check again,we do not make mistakes ,our other ebay sites have over 10,000 positives on them,we have been selling blades for over 22 years,this piece is not a modern copy,regards simon." I have asked for the names of these 'leading edge weapons specialists.' I would very much like the comments of people of this Forum. I am purposely not mentioning the seller's name. I am not looking for validation of my position, just your very frank comments whether negative or positive. Price was $338. Their pictures were not clear enough to see the details my pictures show. Attached Images Last edited by Bill Marsh; 28th December 2006 at 12:41 PM.

28th December 2006, 11:52 AM	#2
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Bill, simply beautiful and very elegant!!! Congratulations, dear friend

28th December 2006, 12:17 PM	#4
Flavio Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Italia Posts: 1,243	Bill, i see an Adya katti, or maybe a Malabar knife, but i'm a little myopic....

28th December 2006, 02:23 PM	#6
katana Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Kent Posts: 2,658	Hi Bill, I am no expert....but my overall impression is ...it is not a tourist piece. How does it 'feel' in 'hand'......does the balance 'feel right'. The blade seems to have 'age' to it. The 'diagonal' marks/scratches are a little mysterious....but not all weapons were beautifully finished. I personally like it, is it the 'finish' that makes you suspect it is 'tourist'?