Another Ivory-Hilt Barong
 

I recently acquired this Tausug junggayan ivory-hilt barong which I was fortunate enough to win at an on-line auction. I have always wanted one and I'm really happy to have it. It would have been nice if the beak was complete but still it is elegant the way it is. The following images are from the auction site and after I received it and did a bit of cleaning. I also added group pics with my other datu status barongs and ivory hilt moro swords. Enjoy.

Congrats, Algelan!

Looks way better after some TLC - I also like the scabbard.

Are you going to etch the blades? I am sure, they will look even better!

BTW, that's a really sweet family pic! ;)

And the naga piece really sports a monster blade... :eek:

Regards,
Kai

Thank you Kai. I would really like to bring out the pattern in the blade but I am not that confident yet in my etching skills. I have done a basic vinegar etch and I only brought up some faint traces of lamination along the cutting edge. This new junggayan barong is 21 inches in over-all length with a blade length of just under 14 inches. The blade thickness is 5 mm at the base which makes it the thinnest barong blade in my collection, not counting the boy's barong I have which is of the same blade thickness. The naga barong on the other hand is 23 inches in over-all length, has a blade length of 16.5 inches, and has a 10 mm blade thickness at the base. You are right, that is quite a substantial blade.

Wow, the blade cleaned up very well.
I was interested in that same one but shied away because of the blades condition. I'm glad you gambled and came away happy.
Are the spacers between the braided wire rings horn? The auction house photo gave me the impression that something was missing from the handle, it must have been just pushed aside.
Congrats!

Love the group photo. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks Kino. You are correct, those are indeed horn spacers. The middle spacer is missing however. The braided wire rings wiggle because if this gap but are relatively secure and don't slide up and down the hilt. I think I will leave it as it is for now as it looks acceptable aesthetically even without the missing spacer.

Like you I initially thought that the blade was heavily ravaged by rust and neglect when I received it that cleaning would have revealed serious multiple pitting underneath. So I was glad when I found out after cleaning and polishing that it was not the case.

You have a very impressive collection, Asian Paladin! Thanks for sharing. :)

I would have gone for this if I didn't have one already. Congratulations on a great job on that blade!

And I just LOVE that naga barong! When I grow up I will get one too....:D

Thanks F. de Luzon.

I'm glad you didn't go after this one Battara, now I have one of my own. :D
As Kino said earlier it was a gamble with the blade and I'm glad it paid off nicely after cleaning.

what a lovely family. I wish i could have one too. Nice collections!