Gunong with copper blade

blue lander · 6th May 2015, 02:49 PM

11-1/2" OAL, 7" blade. It's heavy and sturdy, Probably quite effective as a weapon if it was sharpened back up. It didn't come with a sheath. It looks like a insects took a nibble or two out of the hilt. The edge has some sharp dings in it. The spine is raised like you'd expect in a steel dagger.

I never know what's the appropriate cleaning for copper/brass stuff. Do I shine it up like a new penny or just clean off the verdegris and leave the patina alone?

Battara · 6th May 2015, 11:22 PM

My understanding is that copper and brass blades in the Philippines had talismanic properties, so they weren't for fighting so much as for ceremony and ritual.

Interesting piece.

Robert · 7th May 2015, 02:15 AM

As for cleaning the blade, if it were mine I would remove the verdigris from the blade so it does not spread any further. I would then take a piece of dry coarse cloth and use it to polish the blade and fittings removing only the dirt and any other built-up wax, oils or other filth followed by a good coat of ren wax. I would also do a little polishing and waxing to the horn? hilt. Others my have better suggestions on how to clean this, but this is how I would do it.

Best,
Robert

6th May 2015, 02:49 PM	#1
blue lander Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 456	11-1/2" OAL, 7" blade. It's heavy and sturdy, Probably quite effective as a weapon if it was sharpened back up. It didn't come with a sheath. It looks like a insects took a nibble or two out of the hilt. The edge has some sharp dings in it. The spine is raised like you'd expect in a steel dagger. I never know what's the appropriate cleaning for copper/brass stuff. Do I shine it up like a new penny or just clean off the verdegris and leave the patina alone? Attached Images Last edited by blue lander; 6th May 2015 at 07:16 PM.

6th May 2015, 11:22 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	My understanding is that copper and brass blades in the Philippines had talismanic properties, so they weren't for fighting so much as for ceremony and ritual. Interesting piece.

7th May 2015, 02:15 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	As for cleaning the blade, if it were mine I would remove the verdigris from the blade so it does not spread any further. I would then take a piece of dry coarse cloth and use it to polish the blade and fittings removing only the dirt and any other built-up wax, oils or other filth followed by a good coat of ren wax. I would also do a little polishing and waxing to the horn? hilt. Others my have better suggestions on how to clean this, but this is how I would do it. Best, Robert