Help with Keris ID and information

mmontoro · 8th March 2005, 04:28 PM

Hi,

I've had this piece for some time and am fond of it, but don't recognize it as a common type and lack the reference books to locate a similar example. I would be grateful for any information as to the type, origin, etc. Also, I wonder if the hilt is original and normally associated with this style of blade or someone's functional replacement. Thanks.

Conogre · 8th March 2005, 04:44 PM

Can I ask what the dimensions are?
It appears to be a modern version of the Moro kris or Sanduko stripped of all of the traditional "bells and whistles" down to it's bare essense.
The first word that pops to mind,of course, is "tourist", but I suspect that this was probably made for use in silat or martial arts training, thus eliminating the potential for damage to an often valuable sword.
It could be "dressed up" with a correct hilt, ferrule and such to give it a more traditional appearance, if you so desired, but the funny part is, made into a stripped down weapon, it STILL looks like it could be a mean little puppy.
Mike

mmontoro · 8th March 2005, 05:17 PM

The blade is 13.5" (34.3 cm) and the overall length is approximately 17.75" (45 cm). While it has a broad blade and some proportional similarity in the gangya area, I don't believe it is Moro. The blade is substantial and sharp and has some age. I haven't had the chance to etch it, but am optimistic.

Raja Muda · 9th March 2005, 02:57 AM

Hi,

I don't think this is a Moro piece. I would lean heavily in favour or Malay or Sumatran. At first glance, it could be a straight variant of Keris Melela, with those wide fullers. I think the Javanese style ukiran is all wrong. Why not try and fix it with a kerdas type hulu and we'll take another look at it again

John · 9th March 2005, 05:45 AM

From a thread in the archives (Paul's collection), keris 14 looks identical, except for some obvious difference at the base of blade.

http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~pfrandes/

For ease of reference;

Raja Muda · 9th March 2005, 08:10 AM

Yep, exactly what I was thinking of John. But take a close look at mmontoro's keris and compare it with Paul's. There's no picetan and sogokan.

8th March 2005, 04:28 PM	#1
mmontoro Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 91	Help with Keris ID and information Hi, I've had this piece for some time and am fond of it, but don't recognize it as a common type and lack the reference books to locate a similar example. I would be grateful for any information as to the type, origin, etc. Also, I wonder if the hilt is original and normally associated with this style of blade or someone's functional replacement. Thanks.

9th March 2005, 02:57 AM	#4
Raja Muda Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 100	Keris Melela Hi, I don't think this is a Moro piece. I would lean heavily in favour or Malay or Sumatran. At first glance, it could be a straight variant of Keris Melela, with those wide fullers. I think the Javanese style ukiran is all wrong. Why not try and fix it with a kerdas type hulu and we'll take another look at it again

9th March 2005, 05:45 AM	#5
John Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Land below the wind Posts: 135	Looks a Keris Malela to me too. From a thread in the archives (Paul's collection), keris 14 looks identical, except for some obvious difference at the base of blade. http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~pfrandes/ For ease of reference;

9th March 2005, 08:10 AM	#6
Raja Muda Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Posts: 100	Melela Yep, exactly what I was thinking of John. But take a close look at mmontoro's keris and compare it with Paul's. There's no picetan and sogokan.

8th March 2005, 04:44 PM	#2
Conogre Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clearwater, Florida Posts: 371	Can I ask what the dimensions are? It appears to be a modern version of the Moro kris or Sanduko stripped of all of the traditional "bells and whistles" down to it's bare essense. The first word that pops to mind,of course, is "tourist", but I suspect that this was probably made for use in silat or martial arts training, thus eliminating the potential for damage to an often valuable sword. It could be "dressed up" with a correct hilt, ferrule and such to give it a more traditional appearance, if you so desired, but the funny part is, made into a stripped down weapon, it STILL looks like it could be a mean little puppy. Mike

8th March 2005, 05:17 PM	#3
mmontoro Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 91	The blade is 13.5" (34.3 cm) and the overall length is approximately 17.75" (45 cm). While it has a broad blade and some proportional similarity in the gangya area, I don't believe it is Moro. The blade is substantial and sharp and has some age. I haven't had the chance to etch it, but am optimistic.