A Batak Anomaly?

CharlesS · 4th July 2015, 11:38 PM

Here is a short sword, or dagger, that appears Batak in every way except for the unusual scabbard mouth of carved horn, and the hilt of carved hardwood, neither of which look like typical Batak forms. In both cases the carvings are of detailed floral motifs. The hilt ferrule may be swassa, but I suspect is copper. The scabbard is held together by super thin rattan bands.

The piece definitely has some age and a nice patina and the quality is too good for a tourist piece. There is always the possibility that the scabbard mouth and hilt are later replacements, but I really don't think that is the case here, and they clearly are en suite.

Is anyone familiar with this style or have any ideas about it?

Details:
Overall length: 20in.
Blade length: 15in.
Average width of the blade: 1/2in.

4th July 2015, 11:38 PM	#1
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,857	A Batak Anomaly? Here is a short sword, or dagger, that appears Batak in every way except for the unusual scabbard mouth of carved horn, and the hilt of carved hardwood, neither of which look like typical Batak forms. In both cases the carvings are of detailed floral motifs. The hilt ferrule may be swassa, but I suspect is copper. The scabbard is held together by super thin rattan bands. The piece definitely has some age and a nice patina and the quality is too good for a tourist piece. There is always the possibility that the scabbard mouth and hilt are later replacements, but I really don't think that is the case here, and they clearly are en suite. Is anyone familiar with this style or have any ideas about it? Details: Overall length: 20in. Blade length: 15in. Average width of the blade: 1/2in. Attached Images