Stylized Makara Hilt?

RobT · 13th October 2022, 08:27 PM

Hi All,

I recently picked up this short sword and I have a few questions. First, can anyone confirm whether or not the hilt is a stylized makara? Second, what is the reason for the transverse blade grooves? Third, does anyone recognize the logo by the hilt?
Description:
The mechanical damascus blade measures just over 17.5" (44.45cm). The damascus pattern is textured as is often seen on Javanese keris that have undergone multiple warangan washings. The pattern doesn't match on both sides and there is one more transverse groove on one side than there is on the other. A longitudinal groove runs from the blade tip to the 1-3/8" (3.49cm) ricasso and delineates the symmetrically ground edge. The spine is about 1/4" (6.35mm) at the hilt and tapers distally to the tip. The eyes on the hilt have been drilled straight through and may have been filled at one time but there is no indication that the through drilling was meant to hold a strap. (Owing to the shortness of the hilt, a strap would have probably impeded the user's grip anyway.)
I have provided photos of both sides of the blade and a close-up of the hilt/logo area.

Sincerely,
RobT

13th October 2022, 08:27 PM	#1
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 486	Stylized Makara Hilt? Hi All, I recently picked up this short sword and I have a few questions. First, can anyone confirm whether or not the hilt is a stylized makara? Second, what is the reason for the transverse blade grooves? Third, does anyone recognize the logo by the hilt? Description: The mechanical damascus blade measures just over 17.5" (44.45cm). The damascus pattern is textured as is often seen on Javanese keris that have undergone multiple warangan washings. The pattern doesn't match on both sides and there is one more transverse groove on one side than there is on the other. A longitudinal groove runs from the blade tip to the 1-3/8" (3.49cm) ricasso and delineates the symmetrically ground edge. The spine is about 1/4" (6.35mm) at the hilt and tapers distally to the tip. The eyes on the hilt have been drilled straight through and may have been filled at one time but there is no indication that the through drilling was meant to hold a strap. (Owing to the shortness of the hilt, a strap would have probably impeded the user's grip anyway.) I have provided photos of both sides of the blade and a close-up of the hilt/logo area. Sincerely, RobT Attached Images