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Old 9th September 2006, 07:41 PM   #1
Bill M
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Default Need sword ID help.

I am rephotographing my collection for a new insurance company. I can not remember where this sword is from. I have no records. I would really appreciate help here. it is 26" long OAL. The blade does come out the back of the scabbard as shown.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. I will be posting a few more as I come across them. The pictures are intentionally light to show detail.

I am also thinking about putting some pieces on a website and will be asking for your in depth help in details about some of my more obscure pieces.

I should keep better records.....
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Last edited by Bill Marsh; 10th September 2006 at 03:51 AM.
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Old 9th September 2006, 09:31 PM   #2
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Wow, that must be quite an undertaking if you are re-shooting your entie collection.
I think that one is Sumatran if i'm not mistaken.
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Old 9th September 2006, 09:35 PM   #3
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love the finish at the end of the scabbard .
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Old 9th September 2006, 09:52 PM   #4
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Parang Amanremu?
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Old 9th September 2006, 10:12 PM   #5
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I'll go a step further and suggest that perhaps this sword comes from the Batak region of Sumatra.
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Old 9th September 2006, 10:22 PM   #6
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I wonder if this sword has a lot more to tell. To me it does not look used, though clearly an old piece. Also in a martial sense it does look a little awkward and the handle could be seen as not 100% functional for fighting. I get the feeling this is very high status, perhaps in a religious way. Could it be some sort of sacrificial sword or other emblem of ceremony.
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Old 10th September 2006, 09:52 AM   #7
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Looking at the sword as a whole, with the finish on the scabbard tip. Is this a snake/naga? If it is, it would be nice if someone could elaborate. I am sure I am not the only one that needs informing about such matters.
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Old 12th September 2006, 08:10 AM   #8
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Not just what it is, but why it is what it is?
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Old 12th September 2006, 12:05 PM   #9
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I remembered the seller and emailed him. He got it from Adni about five years ago. I sent Adni a link to this thread and asked for more info. Will let you all know what he says.
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Old 18th September 2006, 01:36 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Marsh
I remembered the seller and emailed him. He got it from Adni about five years ago. I sent Adni a link to this thread and asked for more info. Will let you all know what he says.
Adni just responded.

"The origin is surely Batak and aside from one similar example I have presently at the site (interested? It makes a nice pair to the one already have), I can recall at least 2 more. The hilt form with the squatting human figurine style is clearly Batak, and we also see this style in their other swords that usually comes with brass fittings. The fretworks at the base of the blade also has similarities with other Batak swords. The shape of the blade and the sheath is where the confusion comes in. Geographically, the region Batak in central Sumatra has one large city, Medan and I can only suggest that this is maybe a variant of the Batak swords from the lesser known or populated tribes there. Not much else I can add I’m afraid."

I am getting the other one. Maybe some day I'll travel there and see these poeple myself.
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Old 18th September 2006, 09:14 PM   #11
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I had one of these. Is the handle made from antler, by any chance? Does this remind anyone else of Bornean parangs ( 'latok, 'lading...) ?
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Old 21st September 2006, 11:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tom hyle
I had one of these. Is the handle made from antler, by any chance? Does this remind anyone else of Bornean parangs ( 'latok, 'lading...) ?
I would have guessed parang lading based on the blade shape but its just a guess
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Old 28th November 2018, 01:24 PM   #13
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Any new ideas?
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Old 29th November 2018, 12:08 AM   #14
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Hello Bill,

Could you possibly add pics of the second one you obtained, too?

These definitely exhibit Batak style. IMHO not old though; in the examples I saw, the blade quality was modest, too.

There are genuine antique klewang-type blades with scabbards opening along the back from Sumatra. However, these look quite a bit different.

Regards,
Kai
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Old 30th November 2018, 09:43 AM   #15
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Default Possibly Ladeng

This may be a variant of the klewang known as Ladeng (Ladeeng, Ladieng) from N.Sumatra. I recently purchased this one and am awaiting delivery. Blade shape is similar; hilts are obviously different. Second picture is a Batak hilt on a lawi ayam.
Ladeng photo courtesy of oriental-arms.com. I will upload new photos when it arrives.
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