Barong from ebay, what do you think?

mross · 10th January 2013, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CharlesS

This barong is quite attractive at first glance...that is what you can see. What worries me is what you can't see. The seller has carefully photographed this in such a way that the pommel peak/crest is invisible. This makes me suspicious that perhaps a finely carved peak/crest is broken off or damaged.

I hope I am wrong and that it works out for you.

Thanks, nothing broken all intact. The silver fittlings are in good shape but do show some damage.

I do agree that coins are not the "best" way to determine age. All posted arguments are correct they can be added at any time to make something appear older or more vintage. In this case however they served more as a guide. As stated the blade shape is "newer" but everything points to 19th century.
I try and get the photo requested.

Robert · 10th January 2013, 08:24 PM

When I stated "As far as using the coins to help determine age I cannot agree as they could have been added at any point in this items life. Coins could easily be older or newer than anything they are attached to. " I did not mean to imply that the coins attached to the scabbard of your barong were put there with the sole purpose of making this item appear older than it actually is. I was just trying to say that coins are usually added as decorations and can be added at any point in the life time of that item, and can be of any age, older or newer than the item they are placed on.

Regards,
Robert

Spunjer · 11th January 2013, 01:42 PM

Beautiful barung, mross! The blade looks like it has been etched recently. As far as the leather tie, I'd leave it as it is; most likely not original, but nevertheless looks old. Your call...

David · 11th January 2013, 03:19 PM

Nice barung. I was watching this one on eBay. While the coins were undoutably added at some later date i'd say that was still some time ago and i don't get the sense that they were added to give any false impression of date. Probably an authentic decoration.
As for the leather, it looks like it was added to allow someone to hang the barung on the wall. Doesn't seem to have any other practical purpose. So i'd say leave it if you are going to hang it in a similar fashion.

10th January 2013, 08:24 PM	#2
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	When I stated "As far as using the coins to help determine age I cannot agree as they could have been added at any point in this items life. Coins could easily be older or newer than anything they are attached to. " I did not mean to imply that the coins attached to the scabbard of your barong were put there with the sole purpose of making this item appear older than it actually is. I was just trying to say that coins are usually added as decorations and can be added at any point in the life time of that item, and can be of any age, older or newer than the item they are placed on. Regards, Robert

11th January 2013, 01:42 PM	#3
Spunjer Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Witness Protection Program Posts: 1,730	Beautiful barung, mross! The blade looks like it has been etched recently. As far as the leather tie, I'd leave it as it is; most likely not original, but nevertheless looks old. Your call...

11th January 2013, 03:19 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Nice barung. I was watching this one on eBay. While the coins were undoutably added at some later date i'd say that was still some time ago and i don't get the sense that they were added to give any false impression of date. Probably an authentic decoration. As for the leather, it looks like it was added to allow someone to hang the barung on the wall. Doesn't seem to have any other practical purpose. So i'd say leave it if you are going to hang it in a similar fashion.