Here's how I think this was done. With the blade disassembled, the separate gangya and the top inch or so of the blade were electroplated -- possibly chromed. Then the plated portion of the main blade was lightly ground/polished back leaving only the elephant trunk area still plated. The main part of the blade was etched and the sword reassembled to create its present state.
The hilt is similar to those on some of the highly decorated smaller kris being produced in Lanao. In which case this one could be Maranao in origin.
Ian.
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