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Originally Posted by Tim Simmons
There is some debate as to the value of this carved antler handle especially as this form is not in the books and is in current use by the tourist industry today. Over the years I have learnt that the books are really only a guide. Most of my collection is not in the books perhaps that is why I could afford to buy them. I could also suggest that the current tourist industry form must surely have a point of origin, perhaps not fully appriecated, you know how conservative parts of the weapon collecting world can be.
I am a carver myself. You can see pleny of pride in this work, carved nooks and crannies lots of leechs. The Medusa type head on the end must have looked super before the damage. Why carve all that and then damage it? does not make sense to me. Why not fake it up complete and get a better price. I post these close up pics and every one will just have to make there own minds up. I think you know which way my mind is set.
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Hi Tim,
Actually I don't think the whole item is a fake. Based on what I see on carving and damage , patina etc on the handle I think it was once a knob of a walking stick. Also dayak carvers made walking sticks. I don't think its antique but more from the 50 or 60's. If its was earlier the carving is mostly finer. The scabbard and blade are in my opinion added on Java or Bali.
The combination is certainly not matching.
The handle is surely not bad. Feel free to ask opinions in the future from me or other forumities before you trade/swap.
My advice, separate the handle and base it... But maybe that an easy advice as I am mandauhilt collector.But sometimes I like a handle more without blade than with.
on the place where the resin ring begins the horn seems to be in two pieces?
Arjan.