Keping for sharing and discussion

[Sajen]

Just won my first keping by a German auction house. It was described as klewang from South Mindanao, Zamboanga. 49,5 cm overall with a blade from 37,7 cm. Ferrule from iron. Pictures from the auction house.

[Ian]

Hi Sajen,

Interesting looking blade. The scabbard style is circa 1960-1970 with peripheral nails holding the two pieces together, and the smooth surface with rounded toe. Maranao work I suspect, perhaps made in Zamboanga. The multi-pinned pommel is consistent with mid- to late- 20th C work also.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by Ian

Hi Sajen,

Interesting looking blade. The scabbard style is circa 1960-1970 with peripheral nails holding the two pieces together, and the smooth surface with rounded toe. Maranao work I suspect, perhaps made in Zamboanga. The multi-pinned pommel is consistent with mid- to late- 20th C work also.

Hi Ian, thank you for your comment, I agree with you on all points. It's not a fancy or decorative piece but I suspect it's a real user.

Regards,
Detlef

[JeffS]

Is the upturned point the main feature that indicates this is a keping? Hope to see it cleaned up.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Is the upturned point the main feature that indicates this is a keping? Hope to see it cleaned up.

Hello Jeff,

Not necessarily but so far I understand is the spine rarley straight.
And yes, you will see it cleaned up!

Regards,
Detlef

[drac2k]

Great catch Sajen; they must be rare as I can't remember ever seeing another one.

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by JeffS

Hope to see it cleaned up.

Here you go! It's 49,5 cm long with a blade from 37,5 cm. Blade is 5 mm thick at the spine behind the handle.
Blade don't fit inside the scabbard, I guess due to the shrinking of the wood. Blade is still very sharp and I guess that it was used, there are several nicks in the edge.

Regards,
Detlef

[JeffS]

Cool - Definitely has it's own style. Thank you for the update.