Antique Gunong

[h0ll0wman]

Sharing my very first antique gunong. The blade is restored. Maybe someone can identify the wood?

[Ian]

Hi H0ll0wman:


Very nice gunong. It's unusual to see so much lamination in a gunong blade, probably because they are seldom etched. The wood is high quality banati (bunti) with good grain definition. It's used a lot on barung and kris hilts also. The wood has a fine grain that carves and polishes well. A notable feature of polished banati is that it usually shows chatoyance or a "cat's eye" effect. I believe I can see evidence of that in your pictures.

[David]

A beautiful gunong. Congratulations on you acquisition. I would agree with Ian's comments and would add that the fittings look silver and this piece would really snap if you polished it up. Silver fittings are meant to be seen clean and polished.

[h0ll0wman]

Originally Posted by David

A beautiful gunong. Congratulations on you acquisition. I would agree with Ian's comments and would add that the fittings look silver and this piece would really snap if you polished it up. Silver fittings are meant to be seen clean and polished.

Thank you! I will work in polishing it

[Sajen]

Very nice gunong indeed! Like David I think that it would benefit from a silver polish. how long is it?

Regards,
Detlef

[h0ll0wman]

Originally Posted by Sajen

Very nice gunong indeed! Like David I think that it would benefit from a silver polish. how long is it?

Regards,
Detlef

The blade without the hilt is 8.5 inches. Thank you man. Ok here it is guys. This is my best attempt in polishing the silver fittings.

[mariusgmioc]

Wow! 🤩🤩🤩

[h0ll0wman]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi H0ll0wman:


Very nice gunong. It's unusual to see so much lamination in a gunong blade, probably because they are seldom etched. The wood is high quality banati (bunti) with good grain definition. It's used a lot on barung and kris hilts also. The wood has a fine grain that carves and polishes well. A notable feature of polished banati is that it usually shows chatoyance or a "cat's eye" effect. I believe I can see evidence of that in your pictures.

Thank you Ian!