A PEDANG to discuss

[LPCA]

My best wishes to the VS folks!!

First, be zen with my poor english & don't hesitate to ask for what you don't understand...
Here is a PEDANG to discuss. I bought it in Sumatra 2 years ago and let it as is.
I just join here an image of the full size Pedang, but detailed parts are at http://blade.japet.com/POST-VS/sabre-ind/page.htm.

It seems to be as lihe a PEDANG type1 as described by Van Zonneweld.
Your opinion is welcomed on each part, but particularly on the blade which had a mirror-finition, a nice flowering festoon and a writing with an elephant at the ricasso.
What is this writing ...indian.... indonesian...?
What is your feeling on this Pedang... a fake... a good one.... XIX° or XX°?

Well, let me profit of your knowledges to better understand what it is.
Thanks to you.
Louis-Pierre

[VVV]

Welcome Louis-Pierre,

It seems to be a composite with an Aceh blade and a Javanese hilt.
This hilt is usually seen on later Pedang Lurus.
The motifs on the blade I haven't seen before on resembling blades?

Michael

[Atlantia]

Hi Louis-Pierre

The blade and the scabbard are from a 1970s Indian souvenier Sabre.
They sometimes have the Indian writing, sometimes they are actually marked 'India'.
Yours is based on the type in this old ebay auction: 140291373883
But has presumably had the handle and scabbard mounts added/altered.
Sometimes they have brass handles and velvet covered scabbards.
The blades are not sharp, and if you flex it it will stay bent as they dont temper them and they are nickel plated with the designs etched in.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The handle and scabbard mounts make an interesting addition though.


Regards
Gene

[LPCA]

Bonjour, Michael & Gene and thanks for your comments.

Yes, Michael, your are right fot the hilt. Is has a Javanese shape as you can see it on some Pedang Lurus (see Van Zonneveld - page 103- fig.401).

Yes, Gene, i agree with you concerning the scabbard which can be a replacement one as often on indonesian weapons and others ... or a brand new of the 70's, as you suggest.

As for the blade, it's seems to be an indian model, quite fancy and why not, with a "made in India" writing. Surely a recent one. By the way, quite heavy and nervous as a spring....

The only part which leaves me perplex is the handle. It is doubtless it which decided on the purchase at a price of misery (market of Palembang).It is interesting and made well.

For Keris, the blade is the fundamental criterion and often, one or more of the other components (mendak, ukiran, pendok or sarong) are more recent or even new.

For this sabre, it adorned me difficult to imagine that only the handle is ancient!!!.
My conclusion is that it is a remake with recent components of various origin.

Thanks again for your interest.

Best greetings
Louis-Pierre