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#1 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greenville, NC
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Here is a lovely old, I am assuming 19th century, Beladah Belabang(what we once called a parang nabur) of a quality I have not encountered before in these.
The heavy, thick blade is superbly forged with its fullers cut out for a decorative appearance. The blade is covered in gold koftgari of extremely high quality and features an Arabic cartouche on darkened steel on each side AND along the spine. I am hoping to get some help with translation of this cartouches. Thanks in advance for any help. Note the hilt's horn is carved in a better than typical fashion with a lovely floral row on each side of the top and detailed floral pommel. The ferrule is quality silver and not much, if any, alloy. While some of the gold koftgari floral motifs look quite Islamic, especially those surrounding the cartouches, there are other areas, notably at the forte and far end of the cartouches, that look more European in style to my eye. Also note the koftgari on the hilt knuckle bow...to me this looks very European. I am wondering what others think of this and if they agree. This was a great Christmas surprise and I am thrilled to have it. Constructive input is always appreciated. Last edited by CharlesS; 5th January 2015 at 06:41 PM. |
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#2 |
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Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,216
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What an absolutely stunning piece ! Were you really that good last year to merit a Christmas present of that magnitude ???
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#3 | |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greenville, NC
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#4 |
Lead Moderator European Armoury
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Portugal
Posts: 9,694
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What a fantabulous piece !!!
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#5 |
Keris forum moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 7,085
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um....wow!
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#6 |
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Olomouc
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When do you start the museum.
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#7 |
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
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nice fuller.
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#8 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Witness Protection Program
Posts: 1,730
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wow, bro! i've seen some nice beladahs, but this one takes the cake! awesome catch!!! congrats! you seem to have a magnet for beauties
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#9 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Sweden
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Stunning!!!
The blade does not look like it was made in Borneo, even if it is modelled after a BB. Perhaps a Banjarese ordered it somewhere else when he was on a hajj or a trade tour? Michael |
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#10 | |
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#11 |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
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That is a fantastic and interesting sword!
Congratulations with your beauty. I can't give you more information about the blade, as I have never seen something like this before. I hope others would be able to give a translation. Maurice |
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#12 | |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 1,324
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So there might be a possibility a foreign artisan made the inlay in Bandjermasin? |
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#13 |
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 385
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Wow, talk about artistry in steel.
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#14 |
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Posts: 12
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I will not be able to give any other feedback than WOW. That is an amazing piece! And also, even if the style is Banjar I do not think the blade is. Leaning towards the Hajj theory too.
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#15 |
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Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: The Netherlands
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South Borneo (Bandjermassin and surroundings), were a wasp's nest of cultures and people!
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#16 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 731
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Wow !!
![]() ![]() ![]() The best blade I have never seen in this type of sword thanks carlos |
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#17 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greenville, NC
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Thanks so much for all the kind words guys. I am still hoping for some help with the translations.
Thanks again. |
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#18 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Kernersville, NC, USA
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No help here, but it's extraordinarily beautiful.
Steve |
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#19 |
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Greenville, NC
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I have just been told that all the inscriptions, including the spine, are Qur'anic verses, but would still love a translation if possible.
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