Gentlemen, I've finally caved. Older Gunong for info

ThePepperSkull · 7th May 2011, 05:24 PM

Well, the antique ethnographic bug has finally bit me and I pulled the trigger (Oh, great. ANOTHER one to bid against

) on what I think is an earlier Gunong.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...OR%3AUS%3A1123

I'm posting this for more knowledge on these items. I'm assuming this is an earlier blade, according to how I recognize Moro Kris, but honestly the Gunong is something that I have absolutely no knowledge about (other than a casual looking over at a few older threads). Perhaps Battara, Kai, and 'Uncle Gunong' among other people can clarify some things?

The blade is a diminutive 4 7/8 inches long according to the description of the item.

What would the sheath have looked like had it been included? How old exactly is this piece? Did it originally have a guard like some of the larger and broader-bladed gunong had, or is this basically in the condition that most of these of its era was produced?

Does anyone have any more examples of gunong from around the time that this one was made?

As always, any and all comments welcome!

Pics below:

Sajen · 7th May 2011, 05:38 PM

Hello, have watched this one also. It seems to be an older one what shows the more elongate handle. The guard seems to be missing.

Look here for similar examples from Steve Ferguson: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...2&page=1&pp=30

Other more knowledgeable members will be able to tell you more.

Regards,

Detlef

David · 7th May 2011, 09:47 PM

Looks like an older one to me too. I also agree that it is missing it's guard and, of course, it's sheath, but the price was right.
Here is a link to mine which has a similarly shaped hilt. Not that my guard has been fashioned from an old Mexican silver coin. Might have been original as the coin dates from the time or a later replacement for a missing one. Might give you an idea if you choose to replace your missing one.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=gunong

Robert · 7th May 2011, 10:09 PM

OH NO, You did it,

you bought your first antique Philippine edged weapon. This is how it always starts, first a gunong or two or fifty then a barong then a kris or two. It goes on and on with no stopping. Be prepared to not have any spare change or extra money of any kind. Stop now while you still can.

Robert

P.S.
Nice piece !!!

Ferguson · 8th May 2011, 02:06 AM

And so it begins.

As others have said, it's older and missing the guard, but it's nice.
The guard could have been oval or patterned. The scabbard would have been a simple taperd wooden one made in two halves held togeter with bands of metal or rattan. Enjoy!
Steve

Battara · 8th May 2011, 03:27 AM

I agree with the others. I would guess at 1900 or slightly earlier for the blade, the hilt may be a little a little later. Yes missing the guard but etch the blade and I'll bet there is a lamination pattern in it.

One option is a coin. Another is to have someone make a guard with okir out of silver, copper, or brass with a scabbard to match.

ThePepperSkull · 8th May 2011, 06:21 AM

Thanks for the info, guys. This broadening of my collection is going to kill my wallet. I can already tell.

I originally planned on only collecting pira (of the later shape) and what, on these forums, is known as "Archaic Kris" (or kris from the 18th century. I recently bought one off of a certain Mr. Farrow, but that's for another discussion), then I ran into this gunong and had to have it. Already I'm having trouble limiting myself!

I think it was either Kai or Battara who said this, but I think my goal now is not to have a BIG collection, but a good collection. So if it is varied or eclectic (or seemingly random) in selection, at least they will be very beautifully crafted examples of blades made for whichever particular region and time.

I think this particular gunong more than fits the bill.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I agree with the others. I would guess at 1900 or slightly earlier for the blade, the hilt may be a little a little later. Yes missing the guard but etch the blade and I'll bet there is a lamination pattern in it.

One option is a coin. Another is to have someone make a guard with okir out of silver, copper, or brass with a scabbard to match.

Hmm.... I wonder who could make such parts? :P

7th May 2011, 05:24 PM	#1
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	Gentlemen, I've finally caved. Older Gunong for info Well, the antique ethnographic bug has finally bit me and I pulled the trigger (Oh, great. ANOTHER one to bid against ) on what I think is an earlier Gunong. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...OR%3AUS%3A1123 I'm posting this for more knowledge on these items. I'm assuming this is an earlier blade, according to how I recognize Moro Kris, but honestly the Gunong is something that I have absolutely no knowledge about (other than a casual looking over at a few older threads). Perhaps Battara, Kai, and 'Uncle Gunong' among other people can clarify some things? The blade is a diminutive 4 7/8 inches long according to the description of the item. What would the sheath have looked like had it been included? How old exactly is this piece? Did it originally have a guard like some of the larger and broader-bladed gunong had, or is this basically in the condition that most of these of its era was produced? Does anyone have any more examples of gunong from around the time that this one was made? As always, any and all comments welcome! Pics below: Attached Images

8th May 2011, 02:06 AM	#5
Ferguson Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kernersville, NC, USA Posts: 793	And so it begins. As others have said, it's older and missing the guard, but it's nice. The guard could have been oval or patterned. The scabbard would have been a simple taperd wooden one made in two halves held togeter with bands of metal or rattan. Enjoy! Steve Attached Images

7th May 2011, 05:38 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 9,165	Hello, have watched this one also. It seems to be an older one what shows the more elongate handle. The guard seems to be missing. Look here for similar examples from Steve Ferguson: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...2&page=1&pp=30 Other more knowledgeable members will be able to tell you more. Regards, Detlef

7th May 2011, 09:47 PM	#3
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Looks like an older one to me too. I also agree that it is missing it's guard and, of course, it's sheath, but the price was right. Here is a link to mine which has a similarly shaped hilt. Not that my guard has been fashioned from an old Mexican silver coin. Might have been original as the coin dates from the time or a later replacement for a missing one. Might give you an idea if you choose to replace your missing one. http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ghlight=gunong

7th May 2011, 10:09 PM	#4
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	OH NO, You did it, you bought your first antique Philippine edged weapon. This is how it always starts, first a gunong or two or fifty then a barong then a kris or two. It goes on and on with no stopping. Be prepared to not have any spare change or extra money of any kind. Stop now while you still can. Robert P.S. Nice piece !!!

8th May 2011, 03:27 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	I agree with the others. I would guess at 1900 or slightly earlier for the blade, the hilt may be a little a little later. Yes missing the guard but etch the blade and I'll bet there is a lamination pattern in it. One option is a coin. Another is to have someone make a guard with okir out of silver, copper, or brass with a scabbard to match.