I am looking for information?

MDee · 5th July 2008, 09:24 PM

I recently inherited several Keris and other styles of Malaysian swords/knives.
I have done a little research on them. They were made prior to the 20th century as far as I can tell. The main question I have at this time is the condition of them. They do come apart in pieces. From what I understand this is for ritual cleaning. The problem is how do you put them back together securely. Or do you? My favorite one is about 7 inches long and has an ivory sheath that is suppose to be held together by brass bands. It looks like at one point it might have been held together by some sort of glue. Does anyone know how to have them restored? I live in a very dry climate of the US and I am wondering if this is part of the problem. I will post pictures of them soon to see if any one can give any help.

David · 6th July 2008, 07:15 PM

Welcome to the forum. Pictures will, of course, be most helpful. Try to provide close-ups as well as overall shots. I am sure that this crew will be able to be most helpful to you once we see what you have to work with.

A. G. Maisey · 6th July 2008, 11:36 PM

Very dry climate can pose a few problems for keris, and the materials used in their dress, but nothing that cannot be handled.

As for restoration, with a keris everything can fixed, no matter what it is.

When we see the pics, we can comment.

Rick · 7th July 2008, 04:58 PM

Pics are up.
I'm closing this thread to avoid confusion.
Post responses on the new thread .

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6672

5th July 2008, 09:24 PM	#1
MDee Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 4	I am looking for information? I recently inherited several Keris and other styles of Malaysian swords/knives. I have done a little research on them. They were made prior to the 20th century as far as I can tell. The main question I have at this time is the condition of them. They do come apart in pieces. From what I understand this is for ritual cleaning. The problem is how do you put them back together securely. Or do you? My favorite one is about 7 inches long and has an ivory sheath that is suppose to be held together by brass bands. It looks like at one point it might have been held together by some sort of glue. Does anyone know how to have them restored? I live in a very dry climate of the US and I am wondering if this is part of the problem. I will post pictures of them soon to see if any one can give any help.

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6th July 2008, 07:15 PM	#2
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,211	Welcome to the forum. Pictures will, of course, be most helpful. Try to provide close-ups as well as overall shots. I am sure that this crew will be able to be most helpful to you once we see what you have to work with.

6th July 2008, 11:36 PM	#3
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 6,991	Very dry climate can pose a few problems for keris, and the materials used in their dress, but nothing that cannot be handled. As for restoration, with a keris everything can fixed, no matter what it is. When we see the pics, we can comment.

7th July 2008, 04:58 PM	#4
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Pics are up. I'm closing this thread to avoid confusion. Post responses on the new thread . http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6672