Keris with swirls in pamor for comment.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

The hilt is Surakarta/Central Java while the sheath is Yogyakarta. The blade, I'm not smart with that one At the first sight it is quite interesting, but looking at how the ricikan (details) were done Nice wood grain on the sheath. Pendok (metal oversheath) is lower end, sorry.

Hi Tunggulametung,

I can see a shadow of the shape of an earlier pendok so I don't think this one is the original.

Best
Gene

[tunggulametung]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi Tunggulametung,

I can see a shadow of the shape of an earlier pendok so I don't think this one is the original.

Best
Gene

That's normal but if you ever think about replacing it again a decent or well crafted pendok (used/new) should cost a little while it is not made of or contain precious metal. The hilt is not appropriate for the sheath, but again also quite affordable. But if I were you for the time being I will keep it just the way it is, especially if this is a recent acquisition and see if you still like it another Christmas or two, then it might need some makeover. Oh, and keep the hilt and the hilt cup away from this forum crowd if you ever change it, it seems a nice one (low grade silver? & refined carving? hardwood?).

[Greybeard]

Hi Gene

I'm glad that these are just old corrosion pits. Vice marks (as well as file/grinding marks) are very nasty on an otherwise fine old keris blade. Congratulations on this piece!

Best regards,

Heinz

[David]

As has been pointed out, there are certain "problems" with this keris. The hilt and sheath do not match regionally. Does the blade fit tightly in the sheath with no spacing between blade and opening? If the sheath appears made for the blade than perhaps the hilt was added later for sale purposes. If that is the case you might want to look for a nice Jogya style planar hilt and replace this one.
This is certainly not a master keris. Everyone seems to feel the need to apologize to you when saying this, but frankly, very few of us own master works. I do think it is a keris with some character and the bottom line is that if it appeals to you it was worth obtaining (though i am not sure what you mean by "comparatively expensive"). I personally have a liking for swirling pamors like this. Tunggalemetung has pointed out some valid problems in the crafting of this blade so i won't repeat them. But if this blade were perfectly executed it would have been more than "comparatively" expensive.
This is certainly a blade i would like to see in proper stain, so you might want to consider that.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by David

As has been pointed out, there are certain "problems" with this keris. The hilt and sheath do not match regionally. Does the blade fit tightly in the sheath with no spacing between blade and opening? If the sheath appears made for the blade than perhaps the hilt was added later for sale purposes. If that is the case you might want to look for a nice Jogya style planar hilt and replace this one.
This is certainly not a master keris. Everyone seems to feel the need to apologize to you when saying this, but frankly, very few of us own master works. I do think it is a keris with some character and the bottom line is that if it appeals to you it was worth obtaining (though i am not sure what you mean by "comparatively expensive"). I personally have a liking for swirling pamors like this. Tunggalemetung has pointed out some valid problems in the crafting of this blade so i won't repeat them. But if this blade were perfectly executed it would have been more than "comparatively" expensive.
This is certainly a blade i would like to see in proper stain, so you might want to consider that.

Hi David,

Fair points, thanks. I do take them onboard.
It was expensive compared with my others/what I would usually expect to get a nice Keris for.
It seemed unusual and called to me. Perhaps I should have left it. Perhaps I should stick it under my pillow and see if it has any other message for me
I have no knowledge of how to restore the stain on these, any suggestions?

Best
Gene

[David]

Originally Posted by Atlantia

I have no knowledge of how to restore the stain on these, any suggestions?

If you choose to do the staining yourself there are many threads to be found here on the processes. Just search the archives. You could also find someone with experience to do it for you.

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by Greybeard

Hi Gene

I'm glad that these are just old corrosion pits. Vice marks (as well as file/grinding marks) are very nasty on an otherwise fine old keris blade. Congratulations on this piece!

Best regards,

Heinz

Hi Heinz,

Thanks for that. I'm glad you like it.
Best
Gene

[Atlantia]

Originally Posted by tunggulametung

That's normal but if you ever think about replacing it again a decent or well crafted pendok (used/new) should cost a little while it is not made of or contain precious metal. The hilt is not appropriate for the sheath, but again also quite affordable. But if I were you for the time being I will keep it just the way it is, especially if this is a recent acquisition and see if you still like it another Christmas or two, then it might need some makeover. Oh, and keep the hilt and the hilt cup away from this forum crowd if you ever change it, it seems a nice one (low grade silver? & refined carving? hardwood?).

Hi Tunggulametung,

The metal of the pendok has the appearance of white brass or low grade silver/white metal. The hilt cup however seems to be quite good grade silver.
The Hilt, hilt cup and blade all appear to be very old. The hilt is dark hardwood.
Good advice thank you.
Best
Gene