Thanks all for the comments, especially Mans for the pictures. The visual comparison is definitely useful. I now have half a mind that this keris is really Javanese in origins, but the other half was looking at the feel and sturdiness of the blade and going "hmmm... maybe not...".
Actually, the pamor plays a part in the opinion-forming process too. (it actually has warangan, just that pamor is not very contrasting). Though its wos utah, it just doesn't look like the type usually seen on Javanese pieces. But then again, it could be because this is an older blade.
When I got this keris, I was really stumped. I guess we always have to keep in mind that kerises move and Empus move. This keris was found in an old East Sumatran/Malay sheath which was made for it. I commissioned the silver works because the sheath was looking really sad in its original state. Its Malay motifs, but I guess still generally "in the same family" given the E Sumatran/Malay connection.
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