Pictures of a kris for posterity

ThePepperSkull · 23rd February 2011, 08:18 AM

I was also one of the lower bidders on this (it went for a LOT more than I thought it would. Am I missing something? Anyway probably not the best place here to inquire about prices but it shocked me how much it ended up going for).

I love older Sulu blades likt this. Said before that these types are my favourite kris, but I also concur with everyone else. The handle seems much much later, as does the asang-asang, which looks slightly off-place compared to where the original would have been.

Other than that I see no unusual or unique qualities to it. I think, like most of you, it most definitely could be a twistcore. Again, lovely piece.

asomotif · 23rd February 2011, 11:52 AM

Maybe some bidders received better pictures showing a twistcore.
In that case the price would be explainable.

Gustav · 23rd February 2011, 12:04 PM

I just think, the details of the base of blade are very well executed, the greneng (speaking in keris terminology) is rather well preserved, for if it really would be from around 1800.

ThePepperSkull · 6th October 2013, 09:13 AM

I KNEW this thread existed, it took me forever to find it again. I am now fortunate to find myself in ownership of the kris in question

Quite possibly one of the best quality kris I own in terms of craftsmanship of the blade. It turns out that it is a twistcore and I can echo everyone's sentiments when they say that the hilt and baca-baca are not original to the blade (Although it seems as though its current dress is a very old, very well done replacement).

What strikes me most about this piece is how differently it "feels" when held/handled. It seems to have the thickness and heftiness of a Moro Kris made later, however it is balanced closer to the hilt much like typical older Kris. I can also agree with Gustav in saying that it does seem very well-preserved and the base of the blade is very well executed. The lines and fullers are sharp, crisp, and smooth (Upon inspection it seems no one took a belt sander to smooth it out like you see with a lot of these twistcore bringback pieces. The laminations can be seen in person and the fullers outlining the twistcore seem to be deep and not worn down).

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...7&postcount=18

CharlesS · 6th October 2013, 05:28 PM

I absolutely agree with the above regarding the age of the hilt vs. the blade.

David · 6th October 2013, 05:46 PM

I am not sure what all the talk about the preservation of this blade is about. Moro kris were not routinely acid washed like their Indonesian cousins so it does not seem surprising to me at all that a relatively well taken care of blade from the early 19th or even late 18th century would look like this.
Pepper, have you considered giving this blade a light vinegar etch to bring out the twisted core pattern? It's a rather gentle process that would not damage the blade and it would certainly look cool if that pattern stood out more.

Gustav · 6th October 2013, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David

I am not sure what all the talk about the preservation of this blade is about.

...

6th October 2013, 09:13 AM	#4
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	I KNEW this thread existed, it took me forever to find it again. I am now fortunate to find myself in ownership of the kris in question Quite possibly one of the best quality kris I own in terms of craftsmanship of the blade. It turns out that it is a twistcore and I can echo everyone's sentiments when they say that the hilt and baca-baca are not original to the blade (Although it seems as though its current dress is a very old, very well done replacement). What strikes me most about this piece is how differently it "feels" when held/handled. It seems to have the thickness and heftiness of a Moro Kris made later, however it is balanced closer to the hilt much like typical older Kris. I can also agree with Gustav in saying that it does seem very well-preserved and the base of the blade is very well executed. The lines and fullers are sharp, crisp, and smooth (Upon inspection it seems no one took a belt sander to smooth it out like you see with a lot of these twistcore bringback pieces. The laminations can be seen in person and the fullers outlining the twistcore seem to be deep and not worn down). http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showpo...7&postcount=18 Last edited by ThePepperSkull; 6th October 2013 at 09:29 AM.

23rd February 2011, 08:18 AM	#1
ThePepperSkull Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 338	I was also one of the lower bidders on this (it went for a LOT more than I thought it would. Am I missing something? Anyway probably not the best place here to inquire about prices but it shocked me how much it ended up going for). I love older Sulu blades likt this. Said before that these types are my favourite kris, but I also concur with everyone else. The handle seems much much later, as does the asang-asang, which looks slightly off-place compared to where the original would have been. Other than that I see no unusual or unique qualities to it. I think, like most of you, it most definitely could be a twistcore. Again, lovely piece.

23rd February 2011, 11:52 AM	#2
asomotif Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,228	Maybe some bidders received better pictures showing a twistcore. In that case the price would be explainable.

23rd February 2011, 12:04 PM	#3
Gustav Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,273	I just think, the details of the base of blade are very well executed, the greneng (speaking in keris terminology) is rather well preserved, for if it really would be from around 1800.

6th October 2013, 05:28 PM	#5
CharlesS Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greenville, NC Posts: 1,854	I absolutely agree with the above regarding the age of the hilt vs. the blade.

6th October 2013, 05:46 PM	#6
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,209	I am not sure what all the talk about the preservation of this blade is about. Moro kris were not routinely acid washed like their Indonesian cousins so it does not seem surprising to me at all that a relatively well taken care of blade from the early 19th or even late 18th century would look like this. Pepper, have you considered giving this blade a light vinegar etch to bring out the twisted core pattern? It's a rather gentle process that would not damage the blade and it would certainly look cool if that pattern stood out more.