Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post - 19th century Moro Barong? Comments please.

Bill M · 28th December 2006, 11:38 AM

I bought this barong from an ebay seller. The description is as follows:

"This auction is for a 19th century MORO sword BARONG swollen single edged heavy blade measuring 23" long in nice condition as in photos,good luck in your bidding."

I expressed concerns to the seller that the piece pictured below is niether Moro, Barong, nor 19th century. That it seems a made-for-export/tourist piece.

My biggest question: "IS THIS A LEGITIMATE PIECE OR JUST MADE FOR EXPORT?" Look at the side plates. Maybe this is legit and just a low-end piece?

The seller responded:

"hi bill not according to 2 leading edge weapon specialists in the uk,it was purchased at a leading militaria somerset auction,this is 100% original,please check again,we do not make mistakes ,our other ebay sites have over 10,000 positives on them,we have been selling blades for over 22 years,this piece is not a modern copy,regards simon."

I have asked for the names of these 'leading edge weapons specialists.'

I would very much like the comments of people of this Forum. I am purposely not mentioning the seller's name.

I am not looking for validation of my position, just your very frank comments whether negative or positive. Price was $338. Their pictures were not clear enough to see the details my pictures show.

28th December 2006, 11:38 AM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	19th century Moro Barong? Comments please. I bought this barong from an ebay seller. The description is as follows: "This auction is for a 19th century MORO sword BARONG swollen single edged heavy blade measuring 23" long in nice condition as in photos,good luck in your bidding." I expressed concerns to the seller that the piece pictured below is niether Moro, Barong, nor 19th century. That it seems a made-for-export/tourist piece. My biggest question: "IS THIS A LEGITIMATE PIECE OR JUST MADE FOR EXPORT?" Look at the side plates. Maybe this is legit and just a low-end piece? The seller responded: "hi bill not according to 2 leading edge weapon specialists in the uk,it was purchased at a leading militaria somerset auction,this is 100% original,please check again,we do not make mistakes ,our other ebay sites have over 10,000 positives on them,we have been selling blades for over 22 years,this piece is not a modern copy,regards simon." I have asked for the names of these 'leading edge weapons specialists.' I would very much like the comments of people of this Forum. I am purposely not mentioning the seller's name. I am not looking for validation of my position, just your very frank comments whether negative or positive. Price was $338. Their pictures were not clear enough to see the details my pictures show. Attached Images Last edited by Bill Marsh; 28th December 2006 at 12:41 PM.