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Old 8th September 2011, 04:54 PM   #2
David
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kuantan
Is it possible to identify age, maker or types of metals used?
Here are some pics for starters.
Hi Kuantan, welcome to the forum.
The questions you ask are all pretty tricky. I think it's safe to say that your examples are authentic antiques, but nailing down an age can be more difficult. Makers names are near impossible without some provenance. Sometimes a particular empus work can be assumed by the style and workmanship, but you can never be sure. Most keris we see are not made by known empus, but by unknown village smiths who often do there best to emulate the keraton empus.
Your first example is unfortunately missing a piece, the gonjo. This is the separate piece that sits between the blade and hilt ensemble. The sheath is also missing the buntet, the toe piece at the end of the stem.
Your second keris is a much more sophisticated blade. It looks like a nice example of this form. We have a few members who specialize in Peninsula keris like these that will probably have much more to say about them.
I look forward to seeing them after cleaning.
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