Barong for Comment: Parade or Tourist Trade?
 

I recently acquired this barong that had previously been in the personal possession of a gun store / weapons dealer. The items that were among his personal stock were generally of high quality.

However, while the wood and silver mountings of the hilt (puhan?) seem to speak to quality, the thickness of the blade (< 4mm) has me questioning the utility of this piece, which leaves me wondering: parade or tourist trade?

The blade measures approx. 18.5 inches / 47cm, with an OAL of 24.5 inches / 62cm.

Also, as you can see, the woodwork carving at the top of the hilt is broken. Any suggestions as how to make the damage less apparent?

Thanks as always...

Chris

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/2435/wscab.jpg
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/694/hilt1.jpg
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/4179/hilt2e.jpg
http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/248/ferrule.jpg
http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/7398/tangy.jpg
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7618/scabw.jpg

Well, this is a mid-20th century barong. Could be Sulu. I would not necessarily call this a parade piece. It is definitely not a tourist piece. The silver punto is standard.

I might say that this particular piece is possibly a lower datu working piece for everyday wear. The MOP pieces in the scabbard and the burled wood pommel give me this indication.

Nice piece.

Hi Jose,

Thank you. :)

How would you recommend I handle the small break on the pommel? Can/should I simply stain it? File it (and then stain it)? Send it to someone like you for some specialized TLC?

Regards,

Chris

If it were mine and if Jose has the time I would send it to him and let him work his magic on it. :D

Robert

If I had a dollar for every time I've read someone recommend him or compliment him on his work in the time I've been lurking here, I wouldn't have to first ask him for a quote (like I just did)... :D