Rencong Rentjong for comments

[russel]

This little gem is arguably the jewel in the Crown of my modest collection.

[kai]

Hello Russel,

Congrats, looks like a neat, small example!

The scabbard is a later, non-traditional replacement. The rencong looks genuine and antique: blade looks Gayo to me; the hilt is a bit odd (not sure wether it got shortened/modified to repair a damage). Could you post close-ups of the tip of the pommel as well as upper and lower views of the bolster/base of grip area, please?

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

...... the hilt is a bit odd (not sure wether it got shortened/modified to repair a damage). Could you post close-ups of the tip of the pommel as well as upper and lower views of the bolster/base of grip area, please?

Hello Kai,

when I look to the other pictures Russel have posted and the rentjong from Chregu in the link Maurice have posted it seems to my eyes that both hilts are very similar, what you think?

Regards,

Detlef

[Jonno]

The original area is Gayo or Gajo, like notes above. The scabbard looks modern to me.

Still nice piece.

Best,
John


www.atchin.nl
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[asomotif]

The original area is Gayo or Gajo, like notes above. The scabbard looks modern to me.
Still nice piece.
Best,
John

Hello John,

Why do you classify this rentjong as Gayo ?

Best regards,
Willem

[kai]

Sorry, glossed over your request, Willem!

I am still in the process of identifying/verifying indicators of origin and/or style/age/etc. for rencong; in many cases it's only a guestimate...

This blade looks Gayo to me because of its stout proportions; Albert puts it like this in his book: "Blades from Gayo have a somewhat less elegant line. They are a little straighter and more pointed." (AvZ, 2001)

Also Gayo rencong seem to utilize ivory more often than in Aceh; in Aceh horn hilts seem to be favored except for rare akar bahar pieces and some ivory hulu puntung with detailed carving.

Regards,
Kai

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

Yup, elephant ivory (Schreger lines).

when I look to the other pictures Russel have posted and the rentjong from Chregu in the link Maurice have posted it seems to my eyes that both hilts are very similar, what you think?

Yes, they are really close - they are apparently a simplified variant of hulu puntung/gerepung hilt (without the usual kink/bend and no added carvings to the pommel end). I agree that both ivory hilts appear to be genuine antique examples (the fit between the bolster and the base of the hilt seems better in Chregu's piece).

I asked for the additional pics since one has to be very cautious with Sumatran pieces these days: quite a few antique blades get pimped up with new ivory fittings.

Regards,
Kai

[asomotif]

Originally Posted by kai

blade looks Gayo to me; the hilt is a bit odd (not sure wether it got shortened/modified to repair a damage).

Hello Kai,
Can you explain why you think the blade is gayo.

Best regards,
Willem

[Sajen]

Hello Russel,

very nice piece. Love the nice patinated ivory hilt. I think the scabbard is a later replacement. Can you please post dimensions?

Regards,

Detlef

[kai]

Hello Detlef,

It's a small one - check the inch ruler on the first pic.

Regards,
Kai

[Sajen]

Originally Posted by kai

Hello Detlef,

It's a small one - check the inch ruler on the first pic.

Regards,
Kai

Hello Kai,

maybe I wasn't awakened really, later I have seen it.

Regards,

Detlef

[russel]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I had always suspected that the scabbard was a later addition. Yes it is small: 8 3/4 inches overall, blade a fraction over 5 inches.

Here are additional images as requested.

[Battara]

I too think it would be considered as being gayo.

[kai]

Here are additional images as requested.

Thanks, Russel!

Regards,
Kai