Bankung ended on ebay

mross · 15th November 2012, 03:49 PM

Just won this bankung on ebay. What do you think? Any ideas on the handle?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200843395021...84.m1439.l2649

Sajen · 15th November 2012, 06:44 PM

Have watched this as well but bidding on two other items from the seller but passed the end and don't win. He mixed up the descriptions, funny!

Don't think that it is very old, maybe WWII area? The aluminium collar and the simple making of the blade, handle and scabbard let me think like this but the patina shows that it was in use. Just MHO.

Regards,

Detlef

kai · 15th November 2012, 10:14 PM

Hello Mike,

Post-WW2, possibly vintage but certainly not antique. IMHO not a tourist piece but rather something to get the work done...

Hilt also seems to be an utilitarian version from less pricey wood; an aluminium ferrule would be certainly more en suite than silver.

Please give the blade an etch when you receive it: always interesting to learn how it got crafted.

Considering the low price, I guess this is a good example for any Moro collection until one chances upon an affordable, traditional, antique bankung.

Regards,
Kai

mross · 15th November 2012, 10:23 PM

I believe the blade is laminated. The pictures hint at it which is why I took the chance. I have recieved it the seller shipped very fast. In hand it looks like it could be laminated but someone "cleaned" it up with sand paper or a wire brush and left it with that wierd hazy finish. I do not think it was made for "those who travel". It has a distal taper and a good sharp edge.

mross · 16th November 2012, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Mike,

Post-WW2, possibly vintage but certainly not antique. IMHO not a tourist piece but rather something to get the work done...

Hilt also seems to be an utilitarian version from less pricey wood; an aluminium ferrule would be certainly more en suite than silver.

Please give the blade an etch when you receive it: always interesting to learn how it got crafted.

Considering the low price, I guess this is a good example for any Moro collection until one chances upon an affordable, traditional, antique bankung.

Regards,
Kai

The post WW-II seems reasonable given the aluminium. However, the Moro had a different view of al. then we do, to them it was very valuable, so I think this was more likely a user for someone with status. Though the handle raises questions. That's why this is so much fun!

Bangkaya · 18th November 2012, 10:28 PM

Interesting sword you have there, but I would hesitate to call it a true bangkung from Sulu. Other than the blade, everything else points to a Bajau golok or parang from Sabah especially the design of the scabbard.

Regards,
Bangkaya

15th November 2012, 03:49 PM	#1
mross Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 478	Bankung ended on ebay Just won this bankung on ebay. What do you think? Any ideas on the handle? http://www.ebay.com/itm/200843395021...84.m1439.l2649 Attached Images

15th November 2012, 06:44 PM	#2
Sajen Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Germany, Dortmund Posts: 8,779	Have watched this as well but bidding on two other items from the seller but passed the end and don't win. He mixed up the descriptions, funny! Don't think that it is very old, maybe WWII area? The aluminium collar and the simple making of the blade, handle and scabbard let me think like this but the patina shows that it was in use. Just MHO. Regards, Detlef

15th November 2012, 10:14 PM	#3
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,254	Hello Mike, Post-WW2, possibly vintage but certainly not antique. IMHO not a tourist piece but rather something to get the work done... Hilt also seems to be an utilitarian version from less pricey wood; an aluminium ferrule would be certainly more en suite than silver. Please give the blade an etch when you receive it: always interesting to learn how it got crafted. Considering the low price, I guess this is a good example for any Moro collection until one chances upon an affordable, traditional, antique bankung. Regards, Kai

15th November 2012, 10:23 PM	#4
mross Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 478	I believe the blade is laminated. The pictures hint at it which is why I took the chance. I have recieved it the seller shipped very fast. In hand it looks like it could be laminated but someone "cleaned" it up with sand paper or a wire brush and left it with that wierd hazy finish. I do not think it was made for "those who travel". It has a distal taper and a good sharp edge.

18th November 2012, 10:28 PM	#6
Bangkaya Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 38	Interesting sword you have there, but I would hesitate to call it a true bangkung from Sulu. Other than the blade, everything else points to a Bajau golok or parang from Sabah especially the design of the scabbard. Regards, Bangkaya