Help with the Moro Kris/Kalis/Sundang

[JeffS]

Originally Posted by Ian

At one time there were two asang asang, but now just the one. Two suggests a more likely Sulu origin, but is not definitive.

I have another kris with missing asang-asang, also from the "greneng" side (below). This is also seller photo, I have since removed the tape on the handle and rust on the blade. Under that black tape there is still handle wrap holding the prior asang-asang strap and the notch in ferule supported a robust attachment with limited failure points. Of course it could have taken a blow and was lost, but I wonder if it may have been intentionally removed to match style of new owner.