Identification?

[DaveA]

Hello all,

I am now the proud owner of something. :shrug: It surely looks interesting and I imagine some history behind the blade. However I cannot locate a reference that will help me identify it. So I bring it to you, in the hope of enlightenment. Don't be afraid to tell me I bought a tourist item - I didn't pay much and took a chance. But I think it may be something more interesting. Here are some pictures.

Best regards, and a happy holiday season to all of you.

- Dave A.

[DaveA]

More pictures to be posted when it arrives.

Blade is 7", at widest 2 1/2". With hilt length is 10"

Blade is reportedly "etched" on both sides.

- Dave A.

[Robert]

Looks like a Gunong to me. Very odd grip, never seen one like it before. :confused: What is it made of, mother of pearl or something else? What are the fittings on the scabbard and the guard made of?


Robert

[Matt Splatt]

It's a Moro Punal. Others here will know much better than I but I think it's a nice one. congrats.

[Ferguson]

Hi Dave,
As Matt and Robert have said, it's a Moro punal or gunong. I'm far from an expert, but do collect them. Federico has some info on his web page.
http://home.earthlink.net/~federicomalibago/moroweapons.html

Others are much more knowledgeable, but I'd guess post WWII. It's a nice example. Here are some other types. More pics at:
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Gunong/


Steve Ferguson
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v163/sferguson53/Public/Gunong/Punal-group.jpg

[kronckew]

yup, filipino moro gunong (punal in spanish)
similar to above & mine, excepting grip materials,
yours looks like bone or ivory of some sort.
:)
http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s231/kronckew/gun1.jpg

[DaveA]

Once again, the collective wisdom of this forum has come through. Thank you very much. I will post more information to this thread and a better picture when the item arrives and I get it cleaned up.

Regards,

Dave A.

[Battara]

Looks like the gunong (Moro name for this Moro piece) was made later with aluminum mounts and MOP hilt slabs. Will await better pictures.