Converted Golok?

taube · 21st December 2015, 09:02 AM

Gentlemen,

here is a flea market find from last weekend.
I only took it because it has a former owner´s
name engraved in the handle.
A "Dr. Hans ..ichler" thought it was worth marking
it his property.

Probably an every day use tool.
The best match I can find is a Golok?

The handle is made of horn probably depicting
a lion or maybe a dragon?

Any ideas and hints are greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
taube.

CharlesS · 21st December 2015, 06:39 PM

Looks to be a Javanese golok though I can not explain the apparent damage and covered ferrule on the hilt, or the odd notch cut into the blade near the tip. Both seem to be old work, the hilt perhaps for a better grip, and the blade perhaps to make the blade specialized for a specific job as a tool. That's my best guess. I think it is a mid 20th century piece.

Henk · 22nd December 2015, 08:37 AM

Indeed mid 20th century javanese golok, I think the previous owner reworked the blade for a personal purpose. The cloth at the base of the hilt looks like plaster. I guess for a better gripp or preventing from slipping away by sweating hands.

These goloks where made for export.

taube · 22nd December 2015, 10:18 AM

Thanks very much!
All the aspects you mentioned, the plaster, the "Dr.", the shape of the
blade may point into a medical or surgical direction.
Maybe a large gutting knife?
Anyway, will keep it as an oddity.

21st December 2015, 09:02 AM	#1
taube Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 45	Converted Golok? Gentlemen, here is a flea market find from last weekend. I only took it because it has a former owner´s name engraved in the handle. A "Dr. Hans ..ichler" thought it was worth marking it his property. Probably an every day use tool. The best match I can find is a Golok? The handle is made of horn probably depicting a lion or maybe a dragon? Any ideas and hints are greatly appreciated. Cheers, taube. Attached Images

21st December 2015, 06:39 PM	#2
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	Looks to be a Javanese golok though I can not explain the apparent damage and covered ferrule on the hilt, or the odd notch cut into the blade near the tip. Both seem to be old work, the hilt perhaps for a better grip, and the blade perhaps to make the blade specialized for a specific job as a tool. That's my best guess. I think it is a mid 20th century piece.

22nd December 2015, 08:37 AM	#3
Henk Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 1,209	Indeed mid 20th century javanese golok, I think the previous owner reworked the blade for a personal purpose. The cloth at the base of the hilt looks like plaster. I guess for a better gripp or preventing from slipping away by sweating hands. These goloks where made for export.

22nd December 2015, 10:18 AM	#4
taube Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 45	Thanks very much! All the aspects you mentioned, the plaster, the "Dr.", the shape of the blade may point into a medical or surgical direction. Maybe a large gutting knife? Anyway, will keep it as an oddity.