Barong beauty

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!'

Battara · 31st October 2012, 04:31 AM

The yellowing and black are oxidation - they need to be polished off to bring out the true silver (not silver plate).

Indianajones · 31st October 2012, 08:41 PM

Just found the pic of the laminated blade of the barong -also in total original unmessed state- I had before. This is what I meant with 'if its forged with lamination one will see it anyway '(without etching).

Because different types of iron (metal) are used there will also develope a different kind and color of oxidation as is so good visible on this pic.
>>> when etching blades which are not forged with such a lamination there will never occur such a strong visible feature.

Sajen · 31st October 2012, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indianajones

Just found the pic of the laminated blade of the barong -also in total original unmessed state- I had before. This is what I meant with 'if its forged with lamination one will see it anyway '(without etching).

Because different types of iron (metal) are used there will also develope a different kind and color of oxidation as is so good visible on this pic.
>>> when etching blades which are not forged with such a lamination there will never occur such a strong visible feature.

Hello Wouter,

I am sure that this blade was etched at one time of his history.

Regards,

Detlef

29th October 2012, 10:06 AM	#1
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

31st October 2012, 08:41 PM	#5
Indianajones Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 180	Just found the pic of the laminated blade of the barong -also in total original unmessed state- I had before. This is what I meant with 'if its forged with lamination one will see it anyway '(without etching). Because different types of iron (metal) are used there will also develope a different kind and color of oxidation as is so good visible on this pic. >>> when etching blades which are not forged with such a lamination there will never occur such a strong visible feature. Attached Images

29th October 2012, 10:09 PM	#2
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,236	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	#3
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!'

31st October 2012, 04:31 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,143	The yellowing and black are oxidation - they need to be polished off to bring out the true silver (not silver plate).