What did I buy? Borneo/Malaysion Kris blade?
 

Good day all. Found this on Ebay and the blade made me think of a couple of older small kris that I have. Wonder if it is made from a broken blade? The coin that forms the guard is from "British North Borneo" and dates from as early as 1882 to the mid 1900s. From the lines on the blade I wouldn't be surprised to see a twist core, but that may be wishful thinkiing. Pictures are from the auction. I haven't received it yet.

Auction description is:

" This auction is for a rare original 18th to 19 century Malaysian Warrior's Keris dagger knife with the original hardwood scabbard. This beautiful old Indonesian Kris Blade knife has a very sharp double edge blade, a copper blade guard with engraved warriors, a hardwood handle that matches the scabbard, and the scabbard has hand forged brass rings at each end. Overall this old original Kris blade dagger knife is in very good condition appearing lightly used with a solid handle and some very minor micro pitting blemishes. The scabbard has a chipped knob on one side and minor split seams but is also in very good condition overall. Please zoom in on all pictures for details. This knife measures 19 3/4" with a 14 5/8" blade and the total weight in the scabbard is approx. 1 lb. "

Hi Ferguson:

Good catch.

I think the blade was originally part of a Moro kris. A broken or sawn down part of a kris perhaps. Judging from the form of the luk and the width of the blade, I think this might have been quite an old blade originally, perhaps 18th C.

It would not be surprising to find an old Moro blade being re-used in N. Borneo.

Ian.

Thanks Ian,
It should arrive tomorrow or Tuesday. Can't wait to get it in hand. :)
Steve

Ian I was thinking the same thing! :eek:

The ganga is missing of course. Not surprised since there was so much trade between the Moros of the Philippines and Borneo, and there were some Moro communities on the coast of Sabah, Borneo.

Hi Jose. Glad we are on the same page. ;)

Steve, I think you should polish and etch the blade. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Ian

I will!
Steve

I had hoped it was someone here who outbid me on that one, I'm keen to see the results of a polish and etch.

Cheers, Russel

I agree 100% with this.
Maybe next time I'll remember to bid more.

Have fun,
Leif

Russel and Leif, I feel the same way when I lose a bid to a forum member. I haven't bought any edged weapons in a while and had a really strong feeling about this one. I first thought it was a large gunong made from a kris blade until I researched the coin.
More to come after it arrives.
Thank you all,
Steve

Hello Steve,

very interesting piece. :) Curious to see your pictures after you have given it care and an etch. Same thoughts as Ian and Jose. But keep in mind that the coin could also be traded to the Philippines. Anyway, very interesting item. Hope you will find twistcore! ;)

Regards,
Detlef

Received yesterday. The blade looks really old. It is thin at about .117" (3.02 mm). So I just gave it a light polish and a light etch with 3:1 ferric chloride. This is usually a pretty light etch, but the edges turned very dark immediately. Must be a fairly high carbon steel. I don't like such a contrast, but it is what it is. No real pattern evident, just the higher carbon laminated edges. The coin is dated 18X8, so it's either 1888, or 1898. This one cent bronze coin was made from 1882 to 1907. Overall I'm pleased with the purchase! Thank you all for your comments and interest.

Steve

Nice piece Steve! Maybe polish the blade a little bit finer and etch it again. :shrug:

Best regards,
Detlef

I have an early kris with a blade just like this, including the look after etching. :shrug:

Based on the shape, it looks like a re-purposed blade of an archaic Moro kris. I agree with Battara.:)