Ebay kalis

[mross]

Originally Posted by Rick

I wouldn't want to comment on price .

Understood. Would that mean you would have to ban yourself?

Originally Posted by Rick

The ivory pommel is broken ; I have misgivings about the veracity of the hilt wrap being of human hair . The ferrule is in quite nice condition as is the blade from what I can see .

Yeah, I was giving the seller a little salemanship on the human hair thing. I agree on the ferrule.

Originally Posted by Rick

This is (according to current knowledge) an average Maranao combat blade ; it has been over polished for my tastes ; on the other hand it's ready for a nice etch .

Rick, what makes this average based on current knowledge? I really want to know, because I may have blown this id (Which eases my auction regret a bit) Without having it in hand I looked at these cues;
1) ivory pommel
2) silver handle wire
3) stirrup(baca-baca) is(could be) silver

Any and all information as to what goes through your mind when you evaluate a sword is most appreciated.