A Kris For Show and Tell
 

Hi, Everyone,

Here's one that you might find interesting. Pommel made out of very old
ivory, probably dugong. The pommel shape is similiar to that of Datu
Piang's sword (please see his website) :D. Gangya is separate with
Arabic writing (?) on the blade and a scabbard with bone on it. 18th,
19th century.

What makes this sword more attractive is a carving of a moro vinta (small, fast boat) on both sides of the handle, tossed on huge waves, and a large shark or whale below the water's surface. I discovered this depiction after
I bought it. The seller said that he didn't notice it at all, and said that he should have asked for a much higher price for it, had he effectively seen
the high seas scene. :p.

It is all of 29.05 inches; blade is 23.40 inches of solid, sharp steel. :D :D

Enjoy!

vince

vince

Nice and interesting piece. Not sure about the vinta, but I can see that it remembles a vinta. Anyway, the hilt looks older than the blade. The blade looks to be Maguinanao and perhaps made in the 1930s-early 1940s at the latest.

Is the ganga truly separate or is there just a line there? I ask because this was a transitional time where the separate ganga was being replaced by an engraved line to simulate a separate ganga.

Nice piece in any case. LIke the talismanic diamonds on the blade. Also is the blade laminated?

Hello Battara!

Yes, there is a clear and real separation to the gangya. No blade
lamination is evident.

take care.

vince

Oh :confused: 'lamination' as in those lines and designs on the blade! Yes, it has. I'll try to photograph these (with difficulty) and the separation on the gangya as soon as able.

me again,
vince

Pictures of separate gangya and lamination on blade.

best regards,

vince

Hello Vince,

That's a great kris, congrats! Another vote for a Maguindanao blade from the early 20th c. (or possibly turn of the century). Hilt does look older indeed.

Could you please try to do a pencil rubbing of the engraving on the blade and post a close-up (easier to take an undistorted pic from the paper than shiny metal)? TIA!

Please let me know whenever you decide to part with it! :)

Regards,
Kai

BTW, I'm not sure that what the close-up shows is laminations (could also be an storage artifact). I do think that this is likely to be a laminated blade and that it deserves an etch. Have a look in the archives and feel free to PM for details!

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai!

Here are pics of the markings. Sorry for the delay, and here's hoping they're
not upside down :confused:. As to etching to see lamination, maybe just a small portion of the blade?? All my kris are unetched, all natural :o .

Be well and thanks.

vince