Just to be clear i wasn't suggesting the style of this keris is Javanese. My comparison to Banten keris was simply to point out that many people look at those and mistake them for Balinese keris as well. Alan, though you haven't actually given an opinion, i believe your suggestion of a possible Madura origin is very possible.
There is a prominent collector on another page where this discussion is taking place who has posted the following in regards to this keris: "This is a very high quality East Javanese, I would say, Madurese Keris, before 1870, possibly even before 1850. Around 10 years ago a blade, very possibly by the same maker, was auctioned in UK."
Personally i am finding it difficult to see this blade as a 19th century piece. The materials just don't look right for that era and it seems very well preserved for that age.
As for the hilt, as Detlef has requested, it would be nice to see some detailed photos of it. I am not seeing Sumatra in this hilt as Alan is, but i did see some other angles on the other site where this has been presented and i found much more in common with North Jawa than i do with Sumatran hilts. Regardless it is a beautiful jereran and deserves a nicer showing so if you could take a few closer shots from a few angles that would be great, thanks!
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