If Not a Barong,Then What?

[kai]

The max. width at the base of the spine is a 1/4"

That's on the thin side considering the blade length.

the wood is very dense and heavy, more so than any mahogany that I am familiar with and it does not appear to be stained.

Great, pics can be deceiving! Sounds like kamagong, indeed.

If you compare the carving quality of both hilts, I still believe there is a difference which might be best explained by different periods, especially considering that the typical barung is a working piece while the naga hilt certainly has status function.

Maybe the cosmoline contributed to the color of the bone inserts.

Regards,
Kai

[drac2k]

The barong blade is 17" long and 2 5/8" at its widest. Even though the handle wasn't covered in cosmoline, it was dirty and I'm sure some of it rubbed on, so the bone inserts certainly could have been stained by it.
Thanks for the additional information.