See also bongkal.
A unit of mass used for bullion and specie in the East Indies, at least as early as 18ᵗʰ century – 20ᵗʰ century. Also spelled bonkal.
In Malacca, about 30.5 grams. Blockhuys (1924), however, reports it at 53.9 grams. The same source lists the Singapore buncal at 54.09 g and the Penang buncal at 54.12 g.
In the Dutch East Indies, about 46.5 grams.
In Acheen, Sumatra, 19ᵗʰ century, about 48 grams.
E. J. Blockhuys.
Vade-Mecum of Modern Metrical Units for Business Men and Students of Commerce.
17th edition.
Tokyo: Dobunkwan, 1924.
At Acheen the Buncal, of one ounce, ten pennyweights and twenty one grains [47.4 grams], is the standard.
William Marsden.
The History of Sumatra… Second Edition.
London: Printed for the author, 1784.
Page 136.
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