[Rafngard]

Hello All,

This gunong arrived in the mail today, an epray purchase.
It's a tiny one (7 inches in length, in scabbard), probably made for a child. I'd guess it's from the 1930s.

I'm not sure what the pommel is made from. The seller said bone, but I don't think so. I also don't think it's ivory. My best guess is "French ivory" which is an artificial, celluloid based "ivory," one of the first synthetic plastics (developed in the 1880s). The layers suggest this, but I'm not sure I've seen gunongs with pommels made of this material before. It's also possible that it was originally another material and what we're seeing is a later replacement.

Also on the hilt, the open work bulb is something I'm in love with. The bands (ferrules) on either side may be swassa (a gold/silver/copper alloy).

What do people think, am I on the right track, or totally off base?

Any and all opinions welcome.

Thanks,
Leif