Sultan Gunong

[Battara]

Greetings folks,

Here is what I think is a Marano sultan's gunong. The hilt is made of ivory and gilded copper and silver filigree.

Cross guard is heavy, made of one plate of thick solid minimally chased silver next to a thick solid plate of copper. On top of the copper is a thin sheet of chased gold.

The scabbard has a wooden core encased by copper. Over most of the copper are sheets of chased gold (top and bottom sections). In the middle is a section of chased sheet swassa. Just 2 top and bottom sections of gilded repousse copper.

At the end of the scabbard is a solid plate of silver.

Finally, there is a belt loop of silver with filigree gold plate.

Regarding the blade, though not laminated, it has waves that are not pointed, which indicates to me that this is not a recent creation (there is also patina on the ivory).

I would place this around the end of the 1920s. The size and materials would indicate to me that this is not just datu but sultan class. All of the okir chasing is of Marano style.

This was one of two I know of and was sold to me by a friend who has the twin to this. I have never seen a genuine sultan's example, until now.

Enjoy!

[Battara]

Here are some other pictures:

[Ferguson]

Beautiful!

[Berkley]

What a lovely and elegant example. Congratulations, and thanks for sharing.

[Battara]

Thank you both.

I was hoping you would see this, "Tito Gunong". You and Spunger have the best collection of gunongs.

This was on my wish list for years.......... :D

[drac2k]

Very impressive and beautiful !!

[Rick]

Thank you both.
This was on my wish list for years.......... :D

Where there's a will there's a way. :D

[Spunjer]

magnificent piece, Jose! i love the gold work on that piece! lotsa bling, i'd say.
excellent catch!!!

[mariusgmioc]

One word: ENVY! ;)

Congratulations and thanks for sharing! :)

[Aslan Paladin]

That is one regal-looking gunong indeed. Congratulations!

[F. de Luzon]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing :)

[Ian]

Lovely gunong, Jose. Congrats on owning such a distinguished piece.

[Rafngard]

Wow.
Just wow.

[Battara]

Thank you folks!

I had heard rumor of these rare beasties, but what I have often seen was later tourist examples. I had to do some long evaluations and research to make to make sure this wasn't one of them............

[Aslan Paladin]

It would be interesting to know the measurements of this beauty Battara.

[Battara]

Ah............good point.

The overall length in scabbard is 20 1/2 inches or 50.63 cm.

A big piece (although found one gunong at a show that was 3 1/2 - 4 feet long - probably for show for a shop).

[F. de Luzon]

That's a nice blade on that gunong. The okir on the scabbard is also of fine detail.