Blade Comparison...

[Alam Shah]

Nothing here to compare! instead...

where's the origin of this hilt form? I believe it's Sumatra, but which part?
what is it?
what does it represent?

http://alamshah.fotopic.net/p32021335.html
http://alamshah.fotopic.net/p32021334.html
http://alamshah.fotopic.net/p32021333.html
http://alamshah.fotopic.net/p32021331.html

[A. G. Maisey]

Shahrial, what has happened to the blades you had here?

I noted them when you posted and I've been waiting for somebody else to comment. Nobody has, so I came back to float an opinion, and they've disappeared.

In any case, I've got a fair memory of them. I think both are probably recent, one has been treated to age the surface, possibly both are from the same maker.

I could change my opinion if I had them in my hand, this present opinion is based on what I can see in the photo.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

Shahrial, what has happened to the blades you had here?

I noted them when you posted and I've been waiting for somebody else to comment. Nobody has, so I came back to float an opinion, and they've disappeared.

In any case, I've got a fair memory of them. I think both are probably recent, one has been treated to age the surface, possibly both are from the same maker.

I could change my opinion if I had them in my hand, this present opinion is based on what I can see in the photo.

Sorry Alan,

I've posted without prior permission from the owner, therefore I apologise.
Yes, my sentiments exactly... good memory. Thanks.

How about the hilt. Any ideas?

[BluErf]

Dave has a keris with a similar hilt form. It was collected in Riau. But no one knows exactly where the hilt form came from, but judging from the flow of the hilt, can't be too far up north.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by BluErf

Dave has a keris with a similar hilt form. It was collected in Riau. But no one knows exactly where the hilt form came from, but judging from the flow of the hilt, can't be too far up north.

Thanks Kai Wee. Yes, I've seen Dave's hilt in the flesh. Similar with finer finishing.
That seems to be the other known example for me.

[A. G. Maisey]

Sorry Shahrial, I don't remember the hilts, or the scabbards.

I remember the shape of the sogokan, the rondha, the gandik, I remember the texture of the material, I remember the pawakan---in fact, I could probably draw the blade from memory, but I do not remember any of the dress items.Sorry.

[David]

Alan, i think Shahrial is referring to the hilts pictured in the first post in this thread.

[A. G. Maisey]

Oh---sorry.

No idea on these.

My background and experience simply categorises these as a Bugis variation.

[Alam Shah]

Conversation with friends, simply refer this hilt form as 'ultraman' (unofficial, of course).

[A. G. Maisey]

"ultraman"?

artinya?

Like Superman, maybe?

[Alam Shah]

Ultraman (wiki)
Ultraman (in action) reminds me of my childhood days.

[A. G. Maisey]

OK---so my facetious remark was close to the truth?

What is the connection with the hilt, though?

[David]

Originally Posted by Alam Shah

Ultraman (wiki)
Ultraman (in action) reminds me of my childhood days.

Thank you Shahrial, for that wonderful trip down memory lane.

[Alam Shah]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

... What is the connection with the hilt, though?

Just that it's facial features; big bulging eyes with a headgear of sort, nose (or beak) and ultraman's type mouth... (might be imaginary, though).

Generally, still not much clue except that it's probably Riau, Sumatra.
Most likely a variant of the Bugis hilt form.

[A. G. Maisey]

OK---got it. Thanks.