Elusive Tulip Pommel Kris

[kai]

I've actually come across quite a few of these in person and PASSED ON THEM thinking that they were severely damagerd kakatua pommels that had been reshaped into something presentable

That's still a distinct possibility that some of the rare hilt/pommel variants (not only with Moro pieces - throughout the archipelago) came into being as modifications by gifted artisans after the original pommel did break which does happen quite regularly as evidenced by broken/repaired kakatua pommels with genuine old patina on them.

I've also seen a few kris with this pommel style. I'll try to post some pics when I find them.

Regards,
Kai