Sumatran keris

[kai]

G'day Alan,

This keris was in cat #79; your description back then:

Keris 2
A South Sumatra keris of 11 Luk (waves), the blade is an old one estimated as first half of the 19th century, and had its origin in West Java, probably Banten, indicated by the concave gandhik and the boto rubuh blumbangan. This is an old blade of very high quality, the pamor is wos wutah, but the pamor of the gonjo is a complex pamor miring, the gonjo is bekas kinatah, that is, it once had kinatah work, but all that can be seen of that work now is the carving that supported it and a few specks of gold. The garap (workmanship) is masterful. This is a very high quality wilah (blade), and is certainly the work of a skilled empu.
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I bought this keris at auction in Sydney in the 1960's, when I acquired it, it was in poor condition and it has now been restored. Condition is perfect.

Blade length 15.25"" (387mm) overall length 18.75" (475mm)

Hope this helps!

Regards,
Kai