Kris for comment

[xasterix]

This kris sat on eBay for a long time (probably over a year). I risked buying it because I felt it was special.

After receiving it all the way from Greece, I realized the hilt was already compromised (it had a large, median crack and disintegrating hemp wrap). I decided to replace with a vintage Maguindanao hilt that I had, but still retained the original broken pommel (the crest was torn clean off).

I etched it afterwards, and was pleased with the results.

Another noteworthy thing about the kris is its scabbard plate pattern. It's non-Moro. Being familiar with some Luzon patterns, I compared it with acanthus leaf found on Spanish-era furniture. The pics I enclosed are from a 19th century comoda made either in Batangas or Laguna. I'm theorizing that a migrant Tagalog artisan in Moroland made the carving. It's also possible that the piece was captured, and the second owner decided to have it personalized in a Tagalog area.

The mixed heritage of some PH blades is really interesting, and helps flesh out the possible journey of a blade through bygone eras.

[kai]

Thanks, Ray, that is a very elegant blade as far as non-archaic pieces are concerned!

I'd guess this dates back to the mid-19th century. Also twistcore is rare with diamond cross-sections. Could you add dimensions, please?

Do you have pics of the original configuration even if damaged?

I'm afraid that I don't see much semblance of the crosspiece carving with the Filipino style shown; especially the mediterranean Acanthus motif seems to be missing. I'd rather posit that there seem to be Melayu ties: While most Malay motifs represent flowers with radial symmetry, a few may be shown in profile; also the vegetal/vine motif seems to be closer IMHO. For example, fairly similar flowers are shown in "Spirit of Wood" on pages 86-87 (top figure).

If not traditional Moro/Sulu ukkil, maybe more recent influence via Brunei?

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Sorry, pp. 96-97: FL005.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by kai

Thanks, Ray, that is a very elegant blade as far as non-archaic pieces are concerned!

I'd guess this dates back to the mid-19th century. Also twistcore is rare with diamond cross-sections. Could you add dimensions, please?

Do you have pics of the original configuration even if damaged?

I'm afraid that I don't see much semblance of the crosspiece carving with the Filipino style shown; especially the mediterranean Acanthus motif seems to be missing. I'd rather posit that there seem to be Melayu ties: While most Malay motifs represent flowers with radial symmetry, a few may be shown in profile; also the vegetal/vine motif seems to be closer IMHO. For example, fairly similar flowers are shown in "Spirit of Wood" on pages 86-87 (top figure).

If not traditional Moro/Sulu ukkil, maybe more recent influence via Brunei?

Regards,
Kai

Hi Kai! Really grateful for your insights- I'm always happy to be proven wrong, especially since I need to learn more about patterns. I'm attaching a pic of the orig hilt config. I don't have a copy of the book you mentioned- but I'm trying to dig for one. I agree the Malay angle may be more logical as far as influence is concerned. As for measurement, it's 21in blade, 5.5in hilt (the replacement hilt grip has the exact measurement as the orig- I'd like to think that was fate at play!).

[Ian]

Very nice sword Xas, and even better resto work. Congratulations.

[xasterix]

Originally Posted by Ian

Very nice sword Xas, and even better resto work. Congratulations.

Thanks very much Ian

[Gavin Nugent]

Nice buying xasterix, and sweet blade.

Carved Sampir are not all that common... I've referenced what examples I have on file and whilst most are loosely ths profile shape, none carry the same or similar motifs.