Opinions about this Gunong

David · 3rd October 2019, 08:29 PM

I would also like to see better photos. But the pommel gives the impression that it might be Tridnaca (giant clam shell).
Can you tell what the metal is on the sheath. Aluminum would place this as Post WWII i think. Regardless, it is an attractive gunong no matter the age.

kai · 3rd October 2019, 11:30 PM

Hello Stefan,

The blade doesn't look too bad IMVHO...

And possibly the pommel if David is onto something: Tridacna. (Just make sure it's not plastic!

)

Regards,
Kai

Robert · 5th October 2019, 04:20 AM

Hello Stefan,
Like everyone else I would like to see a few better quality photos of your new gunong. To me the fittings do not look to be made from aluminum because of the oxidation shown in the first photo you posted, but could possibly be nickel silver or white brass instead. The hilt does however appear to be made of Tridacna shell as suggested by both David and Kai. The groove down the center of the blade I have only seen on blades dating from the 1920's and upward. If I had to guess on the age of this piece I would say second quarter of the 20th century. Better photos will help you to get more precise information from those more knowledgeable on these daggers than I am.

Best,
Robert

Hombre · 6th October 2019, 04:36 PM

Thank you so very much for your opinions, guys! I really appreciate it!
I will post better pictures of it when I have it in my hands.

Best,
Stefan

Ian · 7th October 2019, 04:01 PM

Hi Stefan:

I'm looking at this gunong and the other blade that you posted here at the same time, the Espada Maranao, and it looks to me that these were probably made in the same place and at roughly the same time. Both seem to have the same very white material for the hilts (which David has identified as probably coming from a giant clam), and the scabbards appear to be constructed similarly from what looks to me to be mango wood. The white metal is probably white brass or similar alloy IMHO.

If so, then your gunong would be a recent Maranao product. Hilts made from this very white material (from the giant clam, Tridacna) seem to have appeared in the last 20–30 years, and may be a replacement for ivory, which has become more expensive and harder to obtain with the implementation of international treaties banning ivory use. Mango wood is an inexpensive hardwood that seems to be used more frequently in sheaths during the last 30 or so years.

Did you get these two from the same seller?

Ian

Hombre · 9th October 2019, 05:38 PM

Thank you, Ian! I really appreciate your thoughts!

Yes, they are from the same seller.... His father was working in the Philippines for 7 years, around 1970 and forward so to speak.....
Like everyone else I also would like to collect old nice blades

and the funny thing is that the blade this guy was intending to throw away was the best among his blades.... The Moro Kris Kalis.... I wonder how many interesting blades are just thrown away because people think it is only junk....

Best,
Stefan

Show the Moro Kris Kalis again.... Shall follow the advice I got with the blade....

Ian · 9th October 2019, 09:53 PM

Hi again Stefan:

Nice cache of Maranao weapons that you came across. They are all of the same general vintage, second half of the 20th C, which fits with the time the original collector was in the Philippines. Do you happen to know where that individual purchased them? I would not be surprised if they came from Zamboanga, although recent Maranao weapons can be found in Manila's antique shops as well.

Ian.

9th October 2019, 05:38 PM	#6
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Thank you, Ian! I really appreciate your thoughts! Yes, they are from the same seller.... His father was working in the Philippines for 7 years, around 1970 and forward so to speak..... Like everyone else I also would like to collect old nice blades and the funny thing is that the blade this guy was intending to throw away was the best among his blades.... The Moro Kris Kalis.... I wonder how many interesting blades are just thrown away because people think it is only junk.... Best, Stefan Show the Moro Kris Kalis again.... Shall follow the advice I got with the blade.... Attached Images

3rd October 2019, 08:29 PM	#1
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,209	I would also like to see better photos. But the pommel gives the impression that it might be Tridnaca (giant clam shell). Can you tell what the metal is on the sheath. Aluminum would place this as Post WWII i think. Regardless, it is an attractive gunong no matter the age.

3rd October 2019, 11:30 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Stefan, The blade doesn't look too bad IMVHO... And possibly the pommel if David is onto something: Tridacna. (Just make sure it's not plastic! ) Regards, Kai

5th October 2019, 04:20 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Hello Stefan, Like everyone else I would like to see a few better quality photos of your new gunong. To me the fittings do not look to be made from aluminum because of the oxidation shown in the first photo you posted, but could possibly be nickel silver or white brass instead. The hilt does however appear to be made of Tridacna shell as suggested by both David and Kai. The groove down the center of the blade I have only seen on blades dating from the 1920's and upward. If I had to guess on the age of this piece I would say second quarter of the 20th century. Better photos will help you to get more precise information from those more knowledgeable on these daggers than I am. Best, Robert

6th October 2019, 04:36 PM	#4
Hombre Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Posts: 232	Thank you so very much for your opinions, guys! I really appreciate it! I will post better pictures of it when I have it in my hands. Best, Stefan

7th October 2019, 04:01 PM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hi Stefan: I'm looking at this gunong and the other blade that you posted here at the same time, the Espada Maranao, and it looks to me that these were probably made in the same place and at roughly the same time. Both seem to have the same very white material for the hilts (which David has identified as probably coming from a giant clam), and the scabbards appear to be constructed similarly from what looks to me to be mango wood. The white metal is probably white brass or similar alloy IMHO. If so, then your gunong would be a recent Maranao product. Hilts made from this very white material (from the giant clam, Tridacna) seem to have appeared in the last 20–30 years, and may be a replacement for ivory, which has become more expensive and harder to obtain with the implementation of international treaties banning ivory use. Mango wood is an inexpensive hardwood that seems to be used more frequently in sheaths during the last 30 or so years. Did you get these two from the same seller? Ian

9th October 2019, 09:53 PM	#7
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,361	Hi again Stefan: Nice cache of Maranao weapons that you came across. They are all of the same general vintage, second half of the 20th C, which fits with the time the original collector was in the Philippines. Do you happen to know where that individual purchased them? I would not be surprised if they came from Zamboanga, although recent Maranao weapons can be found in Manila's antique shops as well. Ian.