Barong beauty

Indianajones · 28th October 2012, 08:43 PM

Battara; thanks for tributing the piece to the tribe of origin!
Regarding the blade. I was actually quite surprised to see the blade come out so shiny. Initially I also assumed the blade was polished, but seen and knowing the provenance and uncleaned rest of the sword I came to the conclusion it is not tempered/polished with at all. Though I do wonder at the moment if they have added something to the iron that gives the metal such a shiny finish . . . .still after years (no oxidation).

<I tried to make some more pics of the blade and also of the extra shiny spot where the blade touches the wood scabbard (near handle at budendside), but my computer is having some cures at d moment>

Before I have had another barong which was also not tempered with which showed the natural discoloration -faint oval forms in greyish n different hues- showing its 'activities' of different forgemetals. (shown pics before to show Sajen in this forum in a 'to acid or not to acid'-topic). So when there IS layered forging one will see it also without acid-ing (which will just enhance the effect more).

As this piece will be for trade and can always cleaned in a minute -but not reverse- I will leave it this way and even not clean the silver.
>>>>>its all soooo original now !!!!! <<<<<

Charless; have encountered that pic also when searching for a picture of s Sulu sultan wearing the Dress sword (see my other latest thread on pics). But thanks. Will continue my search as one may also search for 'Sulu datu' perhaps.

Thanks all so much for the comments!

Battara · 28th October 2012, 11:42 PM

On the subject of etching, yes Moros did at least initially etch their blades. I have a couple of old pictures of datus with etched dark blades.

David · 29th October 2012, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

On the subject of etching, yes Moros did at least initially etch their blades. I have a couple of old pictures of datus with etched dark blades.

I am more trying to figure out what the common practice was. I have seen many shots of blade collected in the early 1900s that don't have etched blades. Are you able to post these pics you have José?

Battara · 29th October 2012, 04:31 AM

Sure David and here they are, including a Tausug from the 1960s with an darkly etched kris blade (left picture).

Note: these etched blades are darker, especially against the silver baka-baka/asang-asang.

Indianajones · 29th October 2012, 10:06 AM

Am able to upload some pics again; one of the blade with an arrow near the 'start' of the blade where the metal seems extra polished (vertical to the blade) by the touching of the scabbard. Hope its somewhat visible.

kai · 29th October 2012, 10:09 PM

Hello Wouter,

Thanks for posting this barong!

The pommel is really interesting: Is that seperate piece of wood a neatly crafted attempt to fill a natural gap? I have seen smaller repairs to (originally) imperfect bunti wood but never such an extensive one - and still intact!

Seems like the silver(plated?) ferrules were worn through already at a few spots?

Could you please post close-ups of the upper and lower portions of the scabbard (carved side only)?

Wether the blade stayed shiny is probably mainly due to the storage conditions (stable and, especially, dry); also oil/wax or other anti-rust protection added to the blade will have had an influence.

Even if this barung were kept like this without polishing since WW2 or even WW1, it would not be proof that this is the original condition though. I rather doubt that any Tausug would be fond of its current state of preservation and not declare it as "original" for the originating culture...

Regards,
Kai

Indianajones · 30th October 2012, 06:24 PM

Hi Kai -just a quick reply before dinner is served

;
the wood on the handle has not been 'filled up' as I know what you mean and it may look like it. It is just the natural imperfection of the wood itself.
The silver has just (yellowish) stains on it.

Tha scabbard does however not have much decoration n will have to make some new pics.

Good to hear its been enjoyed; exactly my purpose. 'We are only the temporarely owners of these pieces as they have existed already for many decades in the hands of many others!'

29th October 2012, 04:31 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Sure David and here they are, including a Tausug from the 1960s with an darkly etched kris blade (left picture). Note: these etched blades are darker, especially against the silver baka-baka/asang-asang. Attached Images Last edited by Battara; 29th October 2012 at 10:50 PM.

29th October 2012, 10:06 AM	#5
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Am able to upload some pics again; one of the blade with an arrow near the 'start' of the blade where the metal seems extra polished (vertical to the blade) by the touching of the scabbard. Hope its somewhat visible. Attached Images

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

28th October 2012, 08:43 PM	#1
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Battara; thanks for tributing the piece to the tribe of origin! Regarding the blade. I was actually quite surprised to see the blade come out so shiny. Initially I also assumed the blade was polished, but seen and knowing the provenance and uncleaned rest of the sword I came to the conclusion it is not tempered/polished with at all. Though I do wonder at the moment if they have added something to the iron that gives the metal such a shiny finish . . . .still after years (no oxidation). <I tried to make some more pics of the blade and also of the extra shiny spot where the blade touches the wood scabbard (near handle at budendside), but my computer is having some cures at d moment> Before I have had another barong which was also not tempered with which showed the natural discoloration -faint oval forms in greyish n different hues- showing its 'activities' of different forgemetals. (shown pics before to show Sajen in this forum in a 'to acid or not to acid'-topic). So when there IS layered forging one will see it also without acid-ing (which will just enhance the effect more). As this piece will be for trade and can always cleaned in a minute -but not reverse- I will leave it this way and even not clean the silver. >>>>>its all soooo original now !!!!! <<<<< Charless; have encountered that pic also when searching for a picture of s Sulu sultan wearing the Dress sword (see my other latest thread on pics). But thanks. Will continue my search as one may also search for 'Sulu datu' perhaps. Thanks all so much for the comments!

28th October 2012, 11:42 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	On the subject of etching, yes Moros did at least initially etch their blades. I have a couple of old pictures of datus with etched dark blades.

29th October 2012, 10:09 PM	#6
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Wouter, Thanks for posting this barong! The pommel is really interesting: Is that seperate piece of wood a neatly crafted attempt to fill a natural gap? I have seen smaller repairs to (originally) imperfect bunti wood but never such an extensive one - and still intact! Seems like the silver(plated?) ferrules were worn through already at a few spots? Could you please post close-ups of the upper and lower portions of the scabbard (carved side only)? Wether the blade stayed shiny is probably mainly due to the storage conditions (stable and, especially, dry); also oil/wax or other anti-rust protection added to the blade will have had an influence. Even if this barung were kept like this without polishing since WW2 or even WW1, it would not be proof that this is the original condition though. I rather doubt that any Tausug would be fond of its current state of preservation and not declare it as "original" for the originating culture... Regards, Kai

30th October 2012, 06:24 PM	#7
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Hi Kai -just a quick reply before dinner is served ; the wood on the handle has not been 'filled up' as I know what you mean and it may look like it. It is just the natural imperfection of the wood itself. The silver has just (yellowish) stains on it. Tha scabbard does however not have much decoration n will have to make some new pics. Good to hear its been enjoyed; exactly my purpose. 'We are only the temporarely owners of these pieces as they have existed already for many decades in the hands of many others!'