Very Fine Punal (Guong) Dagger with Gold Mounts. Mindanao, Philippines

The Punal, also known as Guong also known as belt kris is a dagger from Mindanao, south Philippines and the Visayn Islands. It used as utility knife as well as a weapon for self protection, carried by both man and women. The Punal is a short dagger, single or dual edged with a slightly slanted handle. It is carried in the back of the waist sash. it comes in various lengths but usually around 14 inches (35 cm). The variety in materials and qualities is immense. From simple working knives to finely executed presentation daggers richly executed and decorated with expensive materials.

The Guong offered here is a high quality presentation exemplar. With a double edge heavy blade with thick diamond cross section. I handle Possibly a Hippo tusk. Collar of yellow gold and a central silver ball with fine filigree work. Heavy silver cross guard with engraved decoration. Silver scabbard with chased and pierced 14 Carat red gold locket and chape.   

Blade 9 inches (23cm). Total length 14 inches (35 cm). Very good condition. Old crack (possibly re-glued) on the hilt. Magnificent exemplar. Early to mid 20 C.