[hockeysew]

Originally Posted by kai

IMHO this kris is a genuine piece crafted the traditonal Moro way (separate gangya, regular blade thickness, original hilt & pommel with silver bands, solid asang-asang (clamps), original anting-anting cloth); I'd guess that the blade is laminated.

I think it dates around the turn of the 19th/20th century: Without collecting date I'd had estimated 1895-1930 and with the collecting date 1895-1905 seems reasonable. Such a complete piece with sound provenance is rare regardless of age.

I agree that the workmanship (e. g. scroll work on both sides of the gangya, scabbard, etc) is not top-notch, especially not datu quality. However, I'd suggest that comparing kris crafted during the US occupation (BTW, I love how everone contesting US troops becomes a bandit or outlaw ) with mid-19th century (or older) kris is like comparing apples with oranges.

Regards,
Kai

I do not believe that the blade is a laminated/Damascus style. I see no indications of any type of lamination.