Archaic kris for comment

xasterix · 11th September 2022, 10:46 AM

I got this from a Cebu-based (in Visayas area, Philippines) family with Moro lineage. 20.3in blade length, hilt pommel didn't seem broken (seemed like it was made that way, no junggayan crest). Rectangular tang tapering to a sharp point was just short (2.7in). The blade is on the medium side (not as light as other archaics I've held), it's rigid and non-flexible. There's a curious part to the blade where the damascus pattern starts way above the base of the blade, after a line (I've polished and etched the whole blade at least 3x, the 'blank' part really yields no pattern).

I haven't touched up the scabbard, it's as-found.

Comments on age estimate and ID are welcome. TIA!

JBG163 · 11th September 2022, 11:24 AM

Interesting find. The line looks like a "weld line", forming a carbide line. Really interesting construction. As much as the pommel.
As for age, i would guess it's archaic, it possess all the features.
Congrats !

xasterix · 11th September 2022, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBG163

Interesting find. The line looks like a "weld line", forming a carbide line. Really interesting construction. As much as the pommel.
As for age, i would guess it's archaic, it possess all the features.
Congrats !

Thanks very much for the kind words and assessment!

Battara · 12th September 2022, 07:56 PM

I LOVE that double twist core!

Yes I agree about being an archaic blade. The hilt appears later. As a whole it seems Sulu region in origin.

xasterix · 13th September 2022, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Battara

I LOVE that double twist core!

Yes I agree about being an archaic blade. The hilt appears later. As a whole it seems Sulu region in origin.

Thanks for the appreciation and assessment sir

Anthony G. · 13th September 2022, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xasterix

I got this from a Cebu-based (in Visayas area, Philippines) family with Moro lineage. 20.3in blade length, hilt pommel didn't seem broken (seemed like it was made that way, no junggayan crest). Rectangular tang tapering to a sharp point was just short (2.7in). The blade is on the medium side (not as light as other archaics I've held), it's rigid and non-flexible. There's a curious part to the blade where the damascus pattern starts way above the base of the blade, after a line (I've polished and etched the whole blade at least 3x, the 'blank' part really yields no pattern).

I haven't touched up the scabbard, it's as-found.

Comments on age estimate and ID are welcome. TIA!

If it is lightweight, most likely is old, maybe 19th century? As new blade usually are heavier than the old.

xasterix · 13th September 2022, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony G.

If it is lightweight, most likely is old, maybe 19th century? As new blade usually are heavier than the old.

It's the most hefty among my probably-archaic pieces, but still lighter compared to late 19th century ones. I believe the reason for the heft is it has a beefier blade (thicker) compared to others of its era.

JBG163 · 13th September 2022, 09:31 PM

xasterix,
could it be possible to get a close up picture of the "line", on both side ?
Thanks !

xasterix · 13th September 2022, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JBG163

xasterix,
could it be possible to get a close up picture of the "line", on both side ?
Thanks !

Sure, here you go

JBG163 · 14th September 2022, 07:32 PM

XasteriX,
Actually, that line is quite a mystery to me. You can see the pattern going through the line.

So, if the keris was broken, then welded back together, it would be almost impossible to have the pattern exactly corresponding.
==> So, it's not a weld line...

Other possibility... It's the quench line.... But i doubt it is.
I honestly grind my mind

11th September 2022, 10:46 AM	#1
xasterix Member Join Date: Oct 2018 Posts: 653	Archaic kris for comment I got this from a Cebu-based (in Visayas area, Philippines) family with Moro lineage. 20.3in blade length, hilt pommel didn't seem broken (seemed like it was made that way, no junggayan crest). Rectangular tang tapering to a sharp point was just short (2.7in). The blade is on the medium side (not as light as other archaics I've held), it's rigid and non-flexible. There's a curious part to the blade where the damascus pattern starts way above the base of the blade, after a line (I've polished and etched the whole blade at least 3x, the 'blank' part really yields no pattern). I haven't touched up the scabbard, it's as-found. Comments on age estimate and ID are welcome. TIA! Attached Images

11th September 2022, 11:24 AM	#2
JBG163 Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: France Posts: 207	Interesting find. The line looks like a "weld line", forming a carbide line. Really interesting construction. As much as the pommel. As for age, i would guess it's archaic, it possess all the features. Congrats !

12th September 2022, 07:56 PM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,217	I LOVE that double twist core! Yes I agree about being an archaic blade. The hilt appears later. As a whole it seems Sulu region in origin.

13th September 2022, 09:31 PM	#8
JBG163 Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: France Posts: 207	xasterix, could it be possible to get a close up picture of the "line", on both side ? Thanks !

14th September 2022, 07:32 PM	#10
JBG163 Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: France Posts: 207	XasteriX, Actually, that line is quite a mystery to me. You can see the pattern going through the line. So, if the keris was broken, then welded back together, it would be almost impossible to have the pattern exactly corresponding. ==> So, it's not a weld line... Other possibility... It's the quench line.... But i doubt it is. I honestly grind my mind