Dagger for Identification

[Jerseyman]

This is a recent purchase which I have not yet received. These are dealer's pictures, and of course I have no dimensions to share. Obviously it will need cleaning when it arrives. It also appears that the blade is wedged in the hilt using paper.

I am unsure of where this dagger comes from as I've not seen this shape before, and I would welcome any information. I would assume one of the Pacific archipelagos, but which one?

Thanks

[Montino Bourbon]

It's a Badek, probably from Sumatra. Classic shape.

[Battara]

However I have never seen one with a fullered blade like this. Otherwise, I agree with Martino.

[Jerseyman]

Thanks. I'd never seen one with such an extreme handle, nor with a fullered blade, so hadn't thought of that classification.

[A. G. Maisey]

Yes, it has some characteristics of a badik, & I guess we need to call it a badik, but I've never seen even a photo of a badik that looks like this.

[kai]

Hello Alan,

I've never seen even a photo of a badik that looks like this.

See the example in Albert's book: p. 27, fig. 24 is quite typical.

I have 2 of these coming in - let me try to add pics later.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Thanks. I'd never seen one with such an extreme handle, nor with a fullered blade, so hadn't thought of that classification.

Yes, it definitely is a badik from Sulawesi: This blade shape with a pronounced belly as well as the steeply angled/curving hilt suggest that it originates from the region of Lompobattang.

Most badik are meant for punching and come with slender, agile blades. Some of those blades with more pronounced belly have more heft to them and can feel more like a small meat cleaver. Adding a fuller makes sense if the balance needs to be improved.

Pretty much all antique badik from Sulawesi sport laminated or even pattern-welded blades (i.e. with pamor). It would be worth checking this example even if it most likely is monosteel.

From the craftsmanship and attaching the tang with paper/textile, I'd guess this piece hails from the first half of the 20th century, possibly around WW2.

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

Yes, it definitely is a badik from Sulawesi: This blade shape with a pronounced belly as well as the steeply angled/curving hilt suggest that it originates from the region of Lompobattang.

Kai is correct, a badik from Lompobattang, another example is shown by "Senjata Pusaka Bugis" on p. 351-352.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

From the craftsmanship and attaching the tang with paper/textile, I'd guess this piece hails from the first half of the 20th century, possibly around WW2.

Hello Kai,

I am with Helleri here, the attachment of the hilt with paper or textile will be a repair.

Regards,
Detlef

[naturalist]

Really nice Macassar Ebony, unfortunately with poor execution....

Originally Posted by Jerseyman

This is a recent purchase which I have not yet received. These are dealer's pictures, and of course I have no dimensions to share. Obviously it will need cleaning when it arrives. It also appears that the blade is wedged in the hilt using paper.

I am unsure of where this dagger comes from as I've not seen this shape before, and I would welcome any information. I would assume one of the Pacific archipelagos, but which one?

Thanks