Moro Kris
 

Yea! Just found this Kris hidden in a little cluttered shop near me. You can imagine my excitement when I saw it. :D I'd been patiently searching for one for years within my budget range. Its a little worst for wear but I love it. Its my one and only Moro Kris. From my research I believe its a typical Maguindanao Kris. The broken bits from the pommel show patina so I think its been that way for a while. I need to etch the blade to bring out the lamination I see there. I like the tack decoration. There is more on the back holding the brass bands in place. The mounts are silver on the handle. Looks like at least one baka-baka or asang-asang is missing. I think its at least a turn of the century sword. What think you? Would love to hear you input. Thank you.
Stephen*

Hello Stephen,

Yes, the blade is typical Maguindanao (as are scabbard and pommel) and I believe it dates from the early 20th century.


Will be interesting to see the blade etched!

Yes, the silver will clean up nicely. I haven't seen this type of repair to the scabbard throat but it does look old.


Possibly 2 - does the ferrule show a gap at the upper side, too? (I think I'm even seeing a remnant of the metal connecting string?)

Regards,
Kai

I'm with Kai all the way. Lots of repair in it's life, but lots of character. Could you show close ups of the top of the blade around the ganga to see if it did have a second baka-baka?

I also think that there have been a second baka-baka. Your kris remember to my one I have shown here: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12825

Be careful by cleaning the silver parts at the handle, there is a high possibility that they are silver plated. Would like to see the blade etched.

Regards,

Detlef

Thanks Detlef. Yours is a lot like mine :)
I'll take your advise regarding the cleaning of the silver.
As soon as I have a chance I will get more pictures posted. Been busy with work.
Stephen*

Updated photos.
Restoration by Jose Albovias.
I'm very thankfull to have such a fine artisan restore my Kris.

-Stephen*

Nice job massaging the ganja back into place, Jose !

May we see the entire sword, please ? :D

Thank you Rick. It took some careful hammering and anvil work.

It was a pleasure to work on this piece. The baka-bakas were fun to do too.

Here's a few more pics Rick, since you insist. :D

Jose even repaired the little sliver of wood missing at the top fo the scabbard. The glue line isn't noticeable now. I haven't tried to polish the scabbard bands. Any suggestions? They seem so thin.

Here is the weirdness: silver you polish, bronze you don't polish. When it comes to brass, the new thing now is not to polish but keep the patina.

Folks please correct me if I am wrong.

Below is a picture of the finished kris and scabbard (no glue seam). :)

Nice
 

The nine waves are very subtle . :)

Very true Rick. This is a good sign of age versus the sharp pointy waves of recently made stuff.

Very good job Jose! :) :cool:

What I want to know: Are the collars of the handle are from silver or they are silver plated?

And what you use to cover the wrapping of the handle?

Regards,

Detlef

Thank you Sajen!

Well (being a deep subject :D ) the silver on this is solid and not plated.

On the hilt wrap, it is jute or twine that has several coats of black lacquer on it (like they did traditionally).