TAUSUG BARUNG

[xasterix]

The piece is recent, probably 80s, well below vintage (WW2 would be vintage). If one looks at the blade closely, one can see that it's 'molye' or monosteel, most likely leaf spring. The pommel is also of recent make; several Sulu-based outfit make that exact pommel nowadays.

"Kastil" as used by modern Tausug outfits is different from its old meaning. As with many terms, usage / definition may change per era. I personally don't use that to classify barungs.

Plastic bands were probably used due to scarcity of rattan. Other substitute, replacement or repair materials for rattan include colored tape, electrical tape, etc.

[David]

I generally agree with Xasterix. I think it might be a little older than the 1980s, but not much. But we need to remember that "vintage" is generally 40 years or more and if this barung is from, let's say, 1980 that would put it at that 40 year old mark. So i would call it vintage. Certainly not antique though.
It is a shame someone went at that blade so aggressively with circular sander. Even mono steel deserves better restoration treatments than that.

[tanaruz]

Hi,

This lovely barung is now up for proper restoration in my father's hometown of Zamboanga. Will post the same barung, post restoration.

Regards and many thanks,

Yves

[David]

Originally Posted by tanaruz

Hi,

This lovely barung is now up for proper restoration in my father's hometown of Zamboanga. Will post the same barung, post restoration.

Regards and many thanks,

Yves

Looking forward to seeing the restored barung.

[Sajen]

Hi Yves,

I am with David, I am pretty sure that your new toy is older than the 1980s. I would place it in the WWII area or short after.
Look to the wooden pommel, the piece never leave the Philippines so it has had every time the same climatic conditions regardless the wood get an age crack, for me a sign of good age.
I have a somewhat similar piece, sadly without scabbard, same material by the handle ferrules and same quality, similar detailed carving by the pommel.
By my example the blade is laminated and I wouldn't be surprised when it will be by Yves example also.
Compare!

[Sajen]

A picture from the light lamination and the handle today.

[Sajen]

PS: I wouldn't remove the yellow plastic band, see this kris from the collection of Mario Ghiringhelli. See the picture taken from the pictured book.
It's a part of it's history IMVHO.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Sajen

PS: I wouldn't remove the yellow plastic band, see this kris from the collection of Mario Ghiringhelli. See the picture taken from the pictured book.
It's a part of it's history IMVHO.

The farthest I would go would be 70s though. I've held several locally-obtained pieces similar to the thread-starter's, provenanced from mid-70s all the way up to late 80s, hence my position on this. I chose the 80s as a conservative estimate. I'm OK to be proven wrong, if there's a provenanced WW2 / immediate postwar piece that would match the thread-starter's, with a definite date of acquisition.

As for the carving on the pommel, that same carving style exists until today, among newly-made barungs in Sulu. I have friends who make those.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Sajen

A picture from the light lamination and the handle today.

Hi Detlef, this sample of yours reminds me of my own barung, a double-edged from Zamboanga estimated to be WW2 era (immediately before, during, or after WW2). The small-featured pommel is typical of that era, and is markedly different from the thread-starter's. It's monosteel.

Ian, thanks for your insights.

[Ian]

Hi Xas,

Yes, the hilt on yours is very similar to Detlef's example. Immediately pre-WWII or WWII era would be my estimate. Nasty looking double edge befitting the time of conflict. I would think its owner favored stabbing, although I'm sure that back edge could be used for slashing too.

Ian

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by xasterix

Hi Detlef, this sample of yours reminds me of my own barung, a double-edged from Zamboanga estimated to be WW2 era (immediately before, during, or after WW2). The small-featured pommel is typical of that era, and is markedly different from the thread-starter's. It's monosteel.

Hi Xas,

Yes, you are correct, they are very similar and I agree with you about the both carvings at barung handles, the ones from our examples are a few decades earlier. Still have the feeling, judging by the patination, that Yves's example is a little bit older than the 1980s. Just my feelings.
BTW, a very nice and unusual example.

Regards,
Detlef