Hello Thomas,
Quote:
|
Also 44 / 59 cm outer measurements. This blade is the thinnest of them 3 all. It starts at the grip with 4mm and goes down continously. From the feeling this makes the most usable feeling of the 3 pieces. The blade shows lightly a swirl of the pattern near the grip.
|
I am less confident to place this piece. It seems to have some age with a later scabbard; however, 4 mm is quite thin for an antique blade and the pamor doesn't suggest heavy wear from use and polishing/staining.
From the nice pamor extending uninterrupted across the back of the blade, this seems to have an inserted edge construction.
The hilt seems to represent the foot of a horse which is a very widespread type. This one might have affinities with eastern Sulawesi and Buton but resembling hilts are seen throughout the region till Tanimbar. Thus, I believe we'll need a very close match with good provenance to ascertain the origin of this piece...
Regards,
Kai