Some more objects from the RDG - Keris, kaskara (?) and spears

DAHenkel · 23rd May 2010, 03:25 AM

It should also be pointed out that this is almost certainly a reworked piece. The silverwork is probably contemporaneous to the time of its presentation and to my eye does fit the late 80's early 90's. The blade and sheath look older though.

RDGAC · 9th June 2010, 02:31 PM

Most interesting, one and all; I've just dug this example out for inspection again and am unsure as to whether the hilt is silver or not. It seems, to me, a little light for such, but that might just be a very careful bit of balancing on the part of the smith who made it. As to the scabbard, it is very light indeed and the "silver" is cracked on one side; since I don't think one can plate wood it must, I think, be some kind of veneer-like material.

Rick · 9th June 2010, 03:30 PM

This is often sheet silver applied over a solid core .

RDGAC · 9th June 2010, 04:55 PM

Indeed it would appear so, Rick; looking at it, a pair of seams are quite clearly visible. The sheet cannot be more than one or perhaps two millimetres in thickness, yet is extraordinarily finely worked. Quite marvellous!

Meredydd Jones

Battara · 9th June 2010, 06:13 PM

Often thin sheet silver is needed to do repousse work. Pictures would b helpful.

Rick · 9th June 2010, 06:14 PM

Yes, these kerisses ....
Quite addictive for some collectors ....

23rd May 2010, 03:25 AM	#1
DAHenkel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 125	It should also be pointed out that this is almost certainly a reworked piece. The silverwork is probably contemporaneous to the time of its presentation and to my eye does fit the late 80's early 90's. The blade and sheath look older though.

9th June 2010, 02:31 PM	#2
RDGAC Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: York, UK Posts: 167	Most interesting, one and all; I've just dug this example out for inspection again and am unsure as to whether the hilt is silver or not. It seems, to me, a little light for such, but that might just be a very careful bit of balancing on the part of the smith who made it. As to the scabbard, it is very light indeed and the "silver" is cracked on one side; since I don't think one can plate wood it must, I think, be some kind of veneer-like material.

9th June 2010, 03:30 PM	#3
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	This is often sheet silver applied over a solid core .

9th June 2010, 04:55 PM	#4
RDGAC Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: York, UK Posts: 167	Indeed it would appear so, Rick; looking at it, a pair of seams are quite clearly visible. The sheet cannot be more than one or perhaps two millimetres in thickness, yet is extraordinarily finely worked. Quite marvellous! Meredydd Jones

9th June 2010, 06:13 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,272	Often thin sheet silver is needed to do repousse work. Pictures would b helpful.

9th June 2010, 06:14 PM	#6
Rick Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 6,336	Yes, these kerisses .... Quite addictive for some collectors ....